When a player is in a slump and is pulled from the starting lineup, two things can happen — it ignites something within, and their play improves, or it bruises their confidence, and they can’t quite get their groove back. For junior guard Roddy Gayle Jr., this change marked a much-needed reset and return to form.
After recent struggles, Gayle was out of the starting lineup. Instead of dwelling on his struggling play, Gayle used this as a chance to provide a spark off the bench. And on Tuesday, his presence was key in No. 20 Michigan’s win over No. 7 Purdue, a critical win giving the Wolverines first place in the Big Ten and redemption after losing by 27 to the Boilermakers just two weeks ago.
Gayle had 14 points — his most since Jan. 12 — a season-high seven rebounds, including three offensive boards, shot 5-for-10 from the field, had two assists, and knocked down four free throws.
“Roddy did a little bit of everything,” Michigan coach Dusty May said. “I don’t even want to talk about his offense because his defense was equally as good. He kept us in it in the first half, and at the end of the first half when we weren’t playing well, he kept us within striking distance.”
Over the previous three games, he had been limited to 16 total points on combined 3-for-15 shooting from the floor, and his confidence had taken a hit. In his first game off the bench at Indiana on Saturday, Gayle still struggled to find his rhythm. On Tuesday, May opted to sit Gayle for the second straight game in favor of junior guard Rubin Jones. But instead of letting those challenges define him, he responded with an all-around game that helped the Wolverines stay competitive against a formidable Purdue team.
May was quick to praise Gayle’s overall impact.
“To be honest, Will Tschetter and Roddy Gayle, they’re not reserves. I think we really have seven unquestionable starters,” May added.
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