Nimari Burnett explodes for career-high 31 as Michigan hangs 110 on Penn State

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Michigan graduate guard Nimari Burnett continues to overshadow the historic lows set in his first year with the program with the historic heights of this year’s Wolverines.

Burnett recorded his career high, 31 points, as Michigan drubbed Penn State. One hundred ten is the most the Wolverines have scored in a Big Ten game since 1998. More impressive, 21-1 marks the best 22-game start in program history.

“It’s very important, because it’s a part of Michigan history,” Burnett said. “And so we talked about that before the game, and the importance of that, and just to be in the history books with a bunch of greats that came before us is truly special, but also shows how special this group is and so we’re super excited for the road ahead and what’s to come with the rest of the Big Ten play, Big Ten tournament and the NCAA Tournament.” 

Burnett began his Michigan career as a part of the team that set the program record for losses in a season. This year’s success was probably unforeseeable to Burnett at the time. But 22 games into this season, Burnett is part of a team that won’t soon be forgotten for all the right reasons.

In perhaps a microcosm of a turbulent few years, Burnett’s Thursday night came after a down stretch for him. Despite the team’s success, Burnett was a non-factor against Michigan State and not much better than that against Nebraska. He was due.

“We trust him,” Michigan coach Dusty May said. “He’s like a coach on the floor. He had a couple of games that were below his standards, and he came in with a workman-like approach. Had a good week of practice, and man, he was great tonight.”

The Wolverines went to Burnett early. Junior center Aday Mara missed him on a baseline cut, turning it over out of bounds. Burnett missed a midrange jumper on the next possession, but with a second-chance look from three, Burnett — who had made only one three in the past three games, and none in the past two — was on the board.

“The situation,” May said when asked why Burnett played so well. “I thought we set great screens for him. I thought our guards found him. You know, there’s always this chain reaction of you got this shot because of this cut and this screen and whatever. Sometimes, just that’s what happens in the course of the game. They make a mistake, and you’re the beneficiary of it.”