EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 2-ranked Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May credited his players for outlasting a tough Northwestern Wildcats team after their 87-75 road victory, which improved their record to 23-1, 13-1 in the Big Ten.
“I thought we outlasted a Northwestern team and program that we couldn’t have more respect for,” May said.
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He noted that Northwestern had knocked FAU out of the NCAA Tournament in his last game there and that Michigan had given him a tough overtime loss last year.
May acknowledged Northwestern’s youth but said Michigan used its age and experience to pull ahead late.
He praised Northwestern players Jayden Reid and Nick Martinelli for their performances and said the Wildcats are well-coached and will win games down the stretch.
When asked about the lineup that sparked Michigan’s second-half run, May highlighted L.J. Cason’s fearless play.
“He deserves to play more. He made big shots, finished, made free throws, and started running our team,” May said.
Cason led the team with 18 points.
His’s off-ball movement and cutting created many scoring opportunities.
May admitted the defense was flat in the first half, hurt by turnovers and Northwestern’s physical play.
“When we stopped hurting our defense from our offensive ineptitude, we started playing much better,” May said.
Down 16 points in the second half, May emphasized leadership and belief in the team’s ability to find a way to win.
“We have so many weapons and guys that we’re going to find a way to win this,” May said.
Regarding Elliot Cadeau‘s turnovers, May said he took him out to keep the team’s rhythm, praising the bench’s depth.
“We have four guys on our bench that could start on a lot of quality programs,” May said.
May also praised the crowd’s energy at Northwestern, calling it an “unbelievable road environment” that felt like a home game once Michigan took the lead, as “Let’s Go Blue” rang out inside Welsh-Ryan Arena.
On defensive strategy, May said they prefer to give up contested mid-range shots rather than open looks.
May noted improvements in ball-screen defense and in forcing tough contested threes in the second half.
He also highlighted the team’s confidence in wearing opponents down with their nine-man rotation.
“We can squeeze out every drop and wear teams down over time,” May said.
When asked about Michigan’s 8-0 road record in the Big Ten, May credited the team’s focus on the next possession and their ability to perform better under pressure and in big moments.
May also addressed the importance of capitalizing on the current moment in the league standings as they have a two-game lead with six games to play.
“We’ve tried to stay away from rooting for other teams. We just have to take care of us and control what we can control,” May said.
Regarding an injury scare to freshman Trey McKenney late in the game, May said he was fine and praised his big shot that gave Michigan the lead late.
“What a big shot for a freshman to knock that down in that moment,” May said.
Look for the Wolverines to keep their momentum going as they’ll host the UCLA Bruins on Valentine’s Day at Crisler Center.
Tip-off for Saturday’s (Feb. 14) game is slated for 12:45 p.m. inside Crisler Arena.