Michigan basketball overpowers Oakland in Mike Boynton Jr. U-M debut
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Michigan basketball overpowers Oakland in Mike Boynton Jr. U-M debut
Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press·Detroit Free Press
·
4 min read
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Michigan basketballopened the 2026-27 season the way it closed the previous one: with a victory.
The stakes certainly weren't as high as April's NCAA Tournament win over UConn, but Mike Boynton Jr.'s debut as Michigan coach was still a success, with theWolverineseventually finding their rhythm with separate 13-4 and 9-0 spurts in the second half, fueling a 84-68 win over Greg Kampe's Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Crisler Center on Monday, Nov. 2.
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Michigan, which is planning a 3-point-heavy offense this season, was cold all night beyond the arc, going just 6-for-33 (18.2%). But the Wolverines controlled the transition game (outscoring OU, 19-0, on fastbreak points) and made the most of their second chances, rebounding 41% of their misses for 23 second-chance points.
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) tries to block Oakland guard Nassim Mashhour (0) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
Michigan came out of the break sloppy, with four turnovers and a 7-2 OU run in the opening five minutes of the second half. Finally, true freshman Quinn Costello hit a deep 3 from the right wing that helped turn things around, and he scored eight of U-M's next 10 points to build a 14-point lead.
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While Oakland hit shots early, U-M's defense was solid. Michigan forced the Golden Grizzlies to play one-on-one instead of generating offense through movement; OU had just five assists on 20 made shots. It's a big reason Oakland had a 9:31 stretch in the second in which it went 1-of-15 from the floor, which gave U-M room to separate, even with Oakland in the double bonus for the final 10 minutes of the game.
Oakland got as close as seven behind a 7-0 run with 8:34 to play, but U-M responded with a 9-0 spurt of its own, highlighted by an Oscar Goodman Euro-step layup in transition to pull away for good. Still, Oakland outrebounded Michigan, 44-41, and grabbed a shocking 21 offensive rebounds.
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) steals the ball from Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. hugs Oakland head coach Greg Kampe ahead of the game between Michigan and Oakland at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Oakland head coach Greg Kampe reacts to a play against the Michigan during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) tries to block Oakland guard Nassim Mashhour (0) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) grabs a rebound against Oakland forward Chris Fields Jr. (2) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) makes a layup against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) attempts a free throw against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Pistons legend Rip Hamilton, father of Oakland guard Deuce Hamilton (11) watches during the first half between Michigan and Oakland at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward Quinn Costello (8) makes a jump shot \against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Ricky Liburd (0) defends Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) makes a layup against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward Oscar Goodman (12) makes a layup against Oakland forward Chris Fields Jr. (2) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) makes a jump shot against Oakland forward Belal El Shakery (24) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) dribbles against Oakland forward Camden Thompson (6) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) passes the ball against Oakland forward Belal El Shakery (24) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Trey McKenney (1) makes a layup against Oakland forward Camden Thompson (6) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Trey McKenney (1) dribbles against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) goes to the basket against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. watches a play against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) dunks against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan forward Jalen Reed (19) makes a layup against Oakland forward Belal El Shakery (24) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) makes a jump shot against Oakland forward Chris Fields Jr. (2) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
1/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) steals the ball from Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
1/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) steals the ball from Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
2/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. hugs Oakland head coach Greg Kampe ahead of the game between Michigan and Oakland at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
3/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Oakland head coach Greg Kampe reacts to a play against the Michigan during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
4/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) tries to block Oakland guard Nassim Mashhour (0) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
5/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) grabs a rebound against Oakland forward Chris Fields Jr. (2) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
6/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) makes a layup against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
7/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) attempts a free throw against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
8/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Detroit Pistons legend Rip Hamilton, father of Oakland guard Deuce Hamilton (11) watches during the first half between Michigan and Oakland at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
9/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward Quinn Costello (8) makes a jump shot \against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
10/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Ricky Liburd (0) defends Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
11/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) makes a layup against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
12/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward Oscar Goodman (12) makes a layup against Oakland forward Chris Fields Jr. (2) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
13/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) makes a jump shot against Oakland forward Belal El Shakery (24) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
14/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) dribbles against Oakland forward Camden Thompson (6) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
15/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) passes the ball against Oakland forward Belal El Shakery (24) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
16/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Trey McKenney (1) makes a layup against Oakland forward Camden Thompson (6) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
17/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Trey McKenney (1) dribbles against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
18/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau (3) goes to the basket against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
19/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. watches a play against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
20/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) dunks against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
21/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan forward Jalen Reed (19) makes a layup against Oakland forward Belal El Shakery (24) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
22/22
Michigan basketball opens season, Mike Boynton Jr. era vs Oakland
Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) makes a jump shot against Oakland forward Chris Fields Jr. (2) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Then again, Michigan was without its best rebounder in Moustapha Thiam (flu), and Tennessee transfer JP Estrella played more than half the game in foul trouble.
McKenney and Gayle tied with a team-high 17 points and despite the limited time, Estrella (who fouled out in 22 minutes) had a double-double (15 points and 12 rebounds) while Costello chipped in 13. Chris Fields Jr. led Oakland with 18 points, followed by Nassim Mashhour with 16.
Michigan guard Trey McKenney (1) dribbles against Oakland guard Ryder Bradley (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
Up next is the real test, a national title game rematch with UConn at TD Garden in Boston on Friday (8 p.m., ESPN).
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It was over when ...
Estrella came soaring in for an offensive rebound, put the ball on the deck and then kicked out to the right corner for a Kenny Noland 3-pointer with 11:44 remaining as the exclamation point in a game-swinging 13-4 run that forced an Oakland timeout. The Grizzlies never got within two scores again.
Player of the game: JP Estrella
Michigan forward J.P. Estrella (13) makes a layup against the Oakland during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
With Thiam sidelined, Estrella moved to center and feasted against an undersized Oakland team. He showed some mobility getting to the middle of the zone and finishing with hook shots, but generally just used his size to grab rebounds and clean up around the glass. He had a double-double less than 15 seconds into the second half and his court presence was notable − Michigan was plus-25 when he was on the court and outscored by nine in the 18 minutes he was on the bench.
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Trending up: Defense
Michigan stifled Oakland for much of the game, holding OU to just 0.971 points per possession. The Grizzlies made 12 of their first 25 shots, then went cold in part because of Michigan's stout defense, hitting just three of their next 22 attempts. Kampe's team finished 20-for-63 (31.7%) and, at one point, missed 11 consecutive 3s. The Wolverines had 10 steals and forced 15 turnovers.
Trending down: Sickness
Thiam's absence was a bummer, given U-M is still learning how to play with him. While it led to U-M using some lineup combinations it wouldn't normally, the end result didn't hurt the Wolverines down low. Michigan found ways to pick through OU's zone all night, outscoring the Golden Grizzlies, 48-24, in the paint. IThiam should be back for Michigan's next matchup, vs UConn in Boston on Friday.
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Tony Garciais the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at@RealTonyGarcia.
