A Nathan Taphorn full-court pass and a buzzer-beating Dererk Pardon layup gave Northwestern a 67-65 win over Michigan on Wednesday night, sending Welsh-Ryan Arena in a frenzy and helping boost the Wildcats’ NCAA Tournament resume. The win was Northwestern’s 21st of the season, a school record.
Here what Michigan coach John Beilein, Northwestern coach Chris Collins, Nathan Taphorn, Vic Law and Dererk Pardon had to say afterward:
John Beilein
- On the final play: “It had to be an absolutely perfect pass...Pardon’s not going to make that shot unless it’s a layup.