Michigan Wolverines Seek Redemption Against Northwestern Wildcats

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The 20th-ranked Michigan Wolverines (13-4, 5-1 Big Ten) aim to bounce back from a shocking overtime loss to Minnesota as they host the Northwestern Wildcats (11-6, 2-4 Big Ten) on Sunday afternoon at Crisler Center. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. ET, with the game airing on the Big Ten Network.

The Wolverines, who had been building momentum as one of the Big Ten’s top teams, suffered a gut-wrenching 84-81 defeat to Minnesota on Thursday. The loss, marked by a buzzer-beater in overtime, snapped Michigan’s five-game conference winning streak and dropped them a game behind rival Michigan State in the standings.

“It’s a gut-check moment for us,” said Michigan head coach Juwan Howard. “We need to regroup and focus on what we do best. Northwestern is a tough opponent, and we can’t afford to overlook them.”

Michigan has been dominant at home this season, boasting an 8-0 record at Crisler Center. The team leads the nation in field goal percentage (51.5%) and ranks second in effective field goal percentage (60.0%). All five starters are averaging double figures, led by center Hunter Dickinson with 15.6 points per game.

Northwestern, meanwhile, snapped a three-game losing streak with a narrow victory over Maryland on Thursday. The Wildcats, tied for 13th in the Big Ten, have struggled to replicate their past success in pulling off upsets. However, they ended a seven-game losing streak against Michigan last February, giving them a glimmer of hope heading into Sunday’s matchup.

“We know what Michigan is capable of, but we also know we can compete with them,” said Northwestern head coach Chris Collins. “Our guys are ready for the challenge.”

Michigan will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day early by wearing special shooting shirts honoring Dr. King. The Wolverines have sold out four consecutive games and are looking to extend their home winning streak against a Wildcats team that has shown flashes of potential but lacks consistency.

Key players to watch include Michigan’s Dickinson, who shared Big Ten Player of the Week honors last week, and Northwestern’s Brooks Barnhizer, who leads the team with nine double-doubles this season. The Wolverines hold a 25-12 edge in the series since 2000, but Northwestern’s recent victory adds intrigue to this matchup.