Michigan rallied from a 16-point second-half deficit to beat Northwestern 87-75 on Wednesday at Welsh-Ryan Arena, improving the Wolverines to 23-1 overall and 13-1 in Big Ten play. The comeback was driven by a 22-4 run highlighted by 11 consecutive made shots and significant bench contributions. Key rotation players — including L.J. Cason, Trey McKenney and Yaxel Lendeborg — played decisive roles as Michigan preserved a growing lead in the conference standings. The victory kept the Wolverines on a nine-game winning streak and set the stage for Saturday’s home matchup with UCLA.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan overcame a 16-point deficit, finishing with an 87-75 win after a 22-4 second-half burst that included 11 straight made field goals.
- L.J. Cason delivered a career night off the bench: 18 points and four steals in 18 minutes, providing nine of those points during the decisive run.
- Trey McKenney scored 12 points, marking his seventh straight game in double figures and shooting 13-for-31 from beyond the arc over that span (41.9%).
- Yaxel Lendeborg recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds and has averaged 9.3 rebounds over his last seven games after returning from a calf issue.
- Michigan sits at 23-1 overall and 13-1 in Big Ten play with six conference games remaining, holding a two-game lead over four teams tied for second.
- The Wolverines will host UCLA at the Crisler Center on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. ET (CBS), carrying a nine-game winning streak into the matchup.
Background
Michigan entered the game as one of the nation’s top teams and a clear contender for the Big Ten regular-season crown. The Wolverines’ 23-1 record and 13-1 conference mark reflect a season-long emphasis on depth, defense and perimeter shooting. Northwestern, positioned lower in the conference standings, has given stronger teams problems this season and has demonstrated the occasional ability to jumpstart upsets at home.
Historically, Michigan has alternated between dominant stretches and closer calls during league play; this year’s roster blends veteran leadership with emerging freshmen and bench players who have begun to make meaningful contributions. Conference races in the Big Ten often hinge on road resilience and consistency against lower-ranked opponents, so the near-upset at Northwestern underscores the thin margin for error March approaches. Coaching staff and players have repeatedly cited the need to maintain focus regardless of opponent talent or record.
Main Event
Northwestern built a 16-point lead in the first half and carried momentum into the early second half, forcing Michigan into a stretch of missed shots and turnovers. The Wildcats’ energy and home-crowd edge produced stops and transition opportunities, putting Michigan on its heels until the midway point of the second half. The turning point arrived when Michigan began a 22-4 run, stringing together 11 consecutive made shots that erased the deficit and flipped the scoreboard in their favor.
Bench play proved pivotal during the run. L.J. Cason — inserted for more minutes — provided a burst of offense and defense, scoring nine points and adding two steals during the sequence. His activity on both ends helped sustain the run and gave starters time to regroup. Trey McKenney supplied timely perimeter shooting, including a go-ahead three that put Michigan up 68-67 with 7:12 remaining.
Yaxel Lendeborg battled on the glass throughout the contest, finishing with a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that limited Northwestern second-chance opportunities. Late-game free throws and defensive stops allowed Michigan to preserve a 12-point margin by the final whistle, turning a potentially damaging road loss into a signature recovery win.
Analysis & Implications
The comeback highlights Michigan’s depth as a practical asset: when starters struggled, bench players supplied a scoring surge that changed momentum. Cason’s 18-point, four-steal outing in 18 minutes is the kind of bench production that can shorten rotation stress heading into the season’s stretch run. That depth may be decisive in close conference games and in postseason seeding.
Trey McKenney’s streak of double-figure scoring across seven games signals growing consistency from a freshman perimeter threat. His 13-for-31 mark on three-pointers during that span (about 41.9%) suggests both accuracy and shot volume — a combination that forces opponents to guard him closely and opens lanes for others. Continued development from McKenney could enlarge Michigan’s offensive spacing and pick-and-roll options.
Rebounding, anchored by Lendeborg’s recent surge, is another clear factor. Averaging 9.3 rebounds over the last seven games and producing multiple recent double-doubles, Lendeborg is controlling possessions and limiting opponents’ second-chance scoring. In tight Big Ten contests, margin-of-possession advantages like this tend to determine single-possession outcomes and can translate to more consistent late-game execution.
From a standings perspective, Michigan’s two-game cushion over four teams tied for second (Illinois, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State) gives the Wolverines breathing room, but the schedule still contains dangerous road tests at Purdue and Illinois and a home finale against Michigan State. How the team manages rotation minutes and maintains focus against lower-ranked conference foes will be critical to securing the regular-season title.
Comparison & Data
| Player | Recent Game (Northwestern) | 7-Game Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Yaxel Lendeborg | 15 pts, 12 reb | 9.3 reb |
| Trey McKenney | 12 pts, key 3 | 11.3 pts, 13-31 3PT (41.9%) |
| L.J. Cason | 18 pts, 4 stl (18 min) | Bench spark; career highs vs. Northwestern |
The table underscores the balance between perimeter scoring and interior control driving Michigan’s late-season form. Lendeborg’s rebound numbers provide possession control while McKenney’s three-point accuracy stretches defenses. Cason’s bench explosion illustrates the depth element that can swing tempo in compressed timeframes.
Reactions & Quotes
Coaching staff and analysts emphasized resilience and the necessity of focus against all conference opponents when asked about the comeback.
“We stayed composed and executed when it mattered most.”
Maize n Brew (game recap)
The remark captures the team’s narrative of regaining composure during the decisive run; coaches highlighted defensive adjustments and bench energy as the catalysts. Commentators noted that such recoveries reveal both talent and potential vulnerabilities: a top team can still be tested if intensity lapses against lower-ranked opponents.
“Bench minutes made the difference in flipping momentum.”
Maize n Brew (analysis)
That observation reflects how L.J. Cason’s brief but efficient stint changed the rhythm. Pundits suggested the Wolverines’ depth will be a recurring advantage, particularly if freshmen like McKenney continue to develop reliable floor spacing.
Unconfirmed
- Any internal lineup or rotation changes planned beyond the immediate scope of the Northwestern game have not been publicly confirmed by the coaching staff.
- Specific medical timelines for Yaxel Lendeborg’s calf recovery beyond his recent availability remain subject to official team updates.
Bottom Line
Michigan’s 87-75 comeback win at Northwestern reaffirmed the Wolverines’ status as a Big Ten frontrunner while exposing moments of vulnerability against lower-ranked opponents. The victory was a composite of bench scoring, timely three-point shooting and improved rebounding — elements that will be tested again in upcoming road games at Purdue and Illinois.
With six conference games left, Michigan’s two-game lead is meaningful but not insurmountable; consistent focus and health will determine whether the Wolverines secure the regular-season title. Saturday’s matchup with UCLA presents another measuring stick before the season’s most consequential stretch.