No. 18 Michigan rips Providence for title

Michigan showed off its offensive versatility and a relentless defense in winning this weekend’s Air Force Reserve Tip-Off in Uncasville, Conn.

Ignas Brazdeikis scored 20 points to lead the 18thranked Wolverines to a 6647 victory over Providence in Sunday’s championship game.

Jon Teske added 17 points for Michigan (5-0), which was coming off blowout wins away from home Wednesday over No. 8 Villanova (73-46) and Saturday in this tournament against George Washington (8461).

The Wolverines were just 6 of 18 from 3-point range but found success down low. They outscored Providence 32-22 in the paint, with Brazdeikis and Teske converting 14 of their 24 shots.

“We were just moving the ball and sharing the ball,” Teske said. “When we do that, a lot of shots fall.”

Providence concentrated on taking away Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole, who combined for 47 points in Michigan’s semifinal win. The pair had just five and four points, respectively, on Sunday.

“We’re going to take what people give us,” Michigan coach John Beilein said. “Jordan Poole and Charles Matthews had great nights (Saturday) as far as scoring. They had great nights tonight, not in scoring but other areas. Jon didn’t score last night. That’s the way our great teams have been built.”

The Maui Invitational kicks off Monday at the quaint Lahaina Civic Center with another stacked field that includes three of the top nine teams in the country. Joining No. 1 Duke will be No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 9 Auburn, Arizona, Xavier, Illinois, San Diego State and Iowa State.

Nick Ward scored 23 points and Cassius Winston 19 as No. 11 Michigan State whipped Tennessee Tech 101-33, tying the largest victory margin in program history . ... Quade Green came off the bench for a season-high 17 points, including five in the final 90 seconds, as No. 10 Kentucky held off VMI 92-82.