When Michigan takes the floor against UC San Diego on Thursday at 10pm, the Tritons will probably be focused on the Wolverines' star 7-footers, Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf. Yes, but: Don't be surprised if guard Tre Donaldson — a former football standout who transferred from Auburn — continues to be the lesser-known secret to U of M's late-season turnaround.

Michigan Wolverines guard Tre Donaldson (3) drives the ball past Maryland guard Rodney Rice, left, and Ja'Kobi Gillespie (0) on his way to the game winning basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) AP

Tonje converted on both free throws after the defensive lapse. And Donaldson did in fact put the gum back in his mouth after the play. But at least he didn't let anyone step on it