Michigan's response to its first loss of the season featured several encouraging performances, but freshman Quinn Costello might have provided the most intriguing development. The 20th-ranked Wolverines defeated Marquette 84-70 on Wednesday night at Crisler Center, improving to 2-1 after their disappointing loss to UConn. Costello finished with 15 points off the bench, connecting on five of his six three-point attempts and helping Michigan establish control against an opponent that entered unbeaten.
The Wolverines already possess considerable offensive talent, but Costello's ability to stretch opposing defenses could become increasingly important throughout the season. Michigan received 18 points from J.P. Estrella, while Elliot Cadeau contributed 17 points and 10 assists. Trey McKenney added 15 points, giving the Wolverines four players capable of making significant offensive contributions against a quality Big East opponent.
Costello helped transform Michigan's offense
Michigan struggled to establish an offensive rhythm during the opening half, making only two of its 11 three-point attempts. Marquette took a 22-15 lead before the Wolverines responded with a decisive scoring run and eventually carried a 35-27 advantage into halftime. Although Michigan's defense helped establish that lead, the Wolverines needed more consistent perimeter production to create separation after the break.
That production arrived in spectacular fashion during the second half, when Michigan made nine of its 16 three-point attempts. Costello repeatedly punished Marquette from beyond the arc, helping the Wolverines build an advantage that eventually reached 22 points. His shooting provided valuable spacing for Michigan's interior players and created another problem for a defense already attempting to contain Cadeau and Estrella.
Costello's five three-pointers accounted for nearly half of Michigan's 11 makes from beyond the arc. That level of efficiency will be difficult to reproduce consistently, but the performance demonstrated how valuable his shooting can become when opponents concentrate their attention elsewhere. A freshman capable of changing the complexion of a game without dominating possession is an enormous asset.
Michigan with a DOMINANT second half 🔥🔥
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) November 12, 2026
Quinn Costello knocked in FIVE threes 👀 pic.twitter.com/Y8vYNgutDY
Michigan's offensive depth is becoming more apparent
The Wolverines have experienced some uneven stretches through their first three games, but their offensive possibilities are encouraging. Estrella has scored 37 points across the last two contests, while McKenney followed his 22-point performance against UConn with another productive outing against Marquette. Cadeau's playmaking provides the connection between those scoring options.
Costello adds another dimension because his perimeter shooting can create opportunities for Michigan's larger players around the basket. Opponents cannot consistently collapse defensively when a capable shooter is waiting outside, particularly when Cadeau is distributing the basketball effectively. Michigan's 45-33 rebounding advantage against Marquette further illustrated how dangerous the Wolverines can become when their interior and perimeter production complement one another.
Michigan hosts William & Mary on Sunday before facing additional Big East competition later this month. Costello will have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate that Wednesday's performance represents more than one exceptional shooting night. For a program attempting to defend its national championship, the emergence of another reliable offensive weapon could make an already talented roster significantly more dangerous.
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