Michigan basketball facing must-win test vs. Northwestern

Tomorrow afternoon, Michigan basketball (9-7 overall, 3-2 Big Ten) is set to host the Northwestern Wildcats (12-4 overall, 3-2 Big Ten) at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI. After suffering two-straight Big Ten losses, the Wolverines are in a must-win situation against the Wildcats.

Michigan’s tournament hopes are dwindling

After a rocky start to the 2022-23 season, Michigan basketball managed to get off to a hot start in conference play. Despite a 6-5 nonconference record and an ugly loss to Central Michigan at home, the Wolverines beat Minnesota (90-75), Maryland (81-46), and Penn State (79-69) to start 3-0 in Big Ten play.

After the Wolverines’ win over 11-3 Penn State, Michigan went on the road and lost to in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans. Despite leading Iowa late into the game, Michigan basketball seemingly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory Thursday night in a heartbreaking overtime loss. The Iowa loss sent Michigan’s record down to 9-7 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play.

Seeing as U-M has a Q4 loss, Michigan needs to string together some serious wins in order to make the tournament.

Wolverines should manage to hold off Northwestern

Even though Northwestern has been doing well throughout the 2022-23 season, Michigan basketball should be able to win this game. The Wolverines are 6-2 at home and undefeated at home against Big Ten teams. According to ESPN, U-M has a 54.2 percent chance of victory on Sunday, and heads into the game as a 3-point favorite.

Like the Wolverines, Northwestern is coming off of a conference loss to Rutgers as they head into their matchup with U-M in Ann Arbor. Northwestern’s season has gone better than planned thus far; however, they’ve proven to be very beatable.

The game is set to tip off at noon on Sunday, January 15th. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, and needless to say, this matchup is crucial for Michigan’s March Madness hopes. If the Wolverines want a shot at meaningful postseason play, they’ll need to string together a serious winning streak soon. If U-M continues to drop these winnable games, Michigan will be playing in the NIT instead of the Big Dance in two months.

There is plenty of season left, but Michigan is already in a “back against the wall” situation.