Ann Arbor — Michigan had to dig itself out of a big hole early to defeat Northwestern, 72-63, in a must-win situation Wednesday night at Crisler Center.
The Wolverines (20-9, 10-6) battled back from deficits of 10-0 and 17-4 to keep their hopes alive for an NCAA Tournament bid.
The outcome assured Michigan its fifth 20-win season in the last six years under head coach John Beilein.
Things will only get tougher for the Wolverines with a game at Wisconsin Sunday, followed by a home game with No. 8 Iowa March 5.
The Wolverines struggled with their 3-point shooting, making just 1 of 11 before Aubrey Dawkins made consecutive long-range shots to pull them even at 44.