Michigan basketball went into Evanston, Illinois on a two-game losing streak and the Wolverines badly needed to get back on track.
The maize and blue, 11-10 on the year, was in an unusual situation on Thursday. Michigan was an underdog against Northwestern. The Wildcats entered the ballgame sitting at 15-6 on the year, and many experts had Northwestern in the NCAA Tournament come March — with Michigan out.
Things started out dry for the Michigan offense against the Wildcats on Thursday night. The Wolverines led at halftime 26-25 but the maize and blue shot 9-for-31 from the field and 3-for-13 from 3 during the first 20 minutes of action.
The second half looked like a much improved and hungrier Michigan team. The Wolverines dominated the paint and played really solid defense against Northwestern. The maize and blue had role players contribute on Thursday and that combined with Hunter Dickinson down low proved to be too much for Northwestern. The Wolverines finally found their first quad-one win of the year.
Michigan defeated Northwestern for the second time this season after winning, 68-51 on Thursday.
Here are our takeaways.