EVANSTON, Ill. -- Not to say Michigan hadn't worked hard for its 8-0 start, but it came easy. Remember that 84-67 dismantling of North Carolina last week? That was Michigan's closest margin. In six of their games, the Wolverines never trailed.
Because they'd played so well for most of every game, they didn't have to execute in the final minutes to ensure victory.
Tuesday was different.
Northwestern erased Michigan's 15-point second-half lead and went shot for shot with the No. 5 Wolverines over the final six minutes. Michigan escaped with a 64-62 victory.