Ann Arbor — The energy. The fans decked out in maize and blue. The cheers and “Go Blue” chants.
A year after playing in empty arenas and in front of small groups of family members due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of that was back at Crisler Center during Wednesday’s banner night for the Wolverines.
After celebrating last season’s Big Ten regular-season title in a pregame ceremony, No. 6 Michigan kicked off its campaign with an 88-76 win over Buffalo in front of a home crowd for the first time since March 5, 2020.
Sophomore center Hunter Dickinson finished with 27 points and six rebounds to lead a balanced attack that saw eight players score at least five points.