Michigan Bounces Back: Five Lessons from the Northwestern Comeback

The Wolverines made a big comeback against the Wildcats, winning 87‑75. They moved to 23‑1 overall and 13‑1 in the Big Ten. They lost early, trailing by 16 points, but they kept fighting. They ended the game with an energetic run that left the Wildcats stunned. One key lesson is not to ignore teams at the bottom of the standings. Even a low‑ranked opponent can surprise you if you let your guard down. Michigan’s energy level changed the game, but they almost slipped into complacency earlier. Another takeaway is that bench players can make a difference. L. J. Cason stepped up, scoring 18 points and grabbing four steals in just 18 minutes. He proved that when given the chance, a role player can help swing momentum.Trey McKenney also showed consistency. He scored 12 points and made two important shots in the second half, including a go‑ahead three. His shooting from beyond the arc is improving as his freshman year goes on. The rebounder Lendeborg has been dominant, averaging 9. 3 boards per game in recent weeks. He recorded a double‑double against Northwestern and had another strong performance against Ohio State. His presence on the glass keeps Michigan in control of the game’s pace. With only six conference games left, Michigan is close to clinching a Big Ten title for the first time since 2021. They still need wins at Purdue and Illinois, and a home game against Michigan State. A nine‑game winning streak carries them into the next matchup, where they’ll face UCLA at Crisler.