ANN ARBOR, MI – The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team is making a strong case for themselves to be included in the NCAA Tournament.
With a thrilling 75-69 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Wolverines have now won three consecutive games and are starting to gain momentum at the right time.
The Wolverines’ victory over the Buckeyes was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite trailing by as many as 12 points in the first half, Michigan fought back to take the lead in the second half and never looked back.
“That’s exactly how you play if you want to make the NCAA Tournament,” said Michigan head coach Juwan Howard. “Our guys showed a lot of heart and grit tonight. We’re proud of them for fighting back and getting the win.”
The Wolverines were led by junior guard Hunter Dickinson, who scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Dickinson’s performance was instrumental in Michigan’s comeback, as he scored 12 of his 22 points in the second half.
“Hunter was huge for us tonight,” said Howard. “He’s a talented player who can take over games when he needs to. We’re lucky to have him on our team.”
The Wolverines also got a big boost from their bench, as freshman guard Jett Howard scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 20 minutes of action. Howard’s performance was a welcome sight for Michigan fans, who have been waiting to see the talented freshman contribute more consistently.
“Jett was great for us tonight,” said Howard. “He’s a talented player who can score and make plays. We’re excited to see him continue to grow and develop as a player.”
The Wolverines’ win over the Buckeyes was also significant because it marked their first victory over a ranked opponent this season. Michigan had previously lost to several top-ranked teams, including Purdue, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.
“This win was huge for us,” said Dickinson. “We’ve been working hard all season, and it’s nice to finally get a win over a ranked opponent. We’re feeling confident right now, and we’re looking forward to our next game.”
The Wolverines will look to continue their winning streak on Saturday, when they host the Indiana Hoosiers at the Crisler Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 2:00 PM ET, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Michigan’s win over Ohio State has also improved their chances of making the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines are currently ranked 25th in the country, according to the NCAA’s NET rankings. They are also projected to be a 10-seed in the tournament, according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi.
While there is still a lot of basketball to be played, the Wolverines are feeling confident about their chances of making the tournament.
“We’re taking it one game at a time,” said Dickinson. “We know that we have a tough schedule ahead of us, but we’re feeling confident right now. We’re going to keep working hard and see where it takes us.”
The Wolverines’ win over Ohio State was a big step in the right direction, and they will look to continue their winning streak on Saturday against Indiana. With their sights set on the NCAA Tournament, the Wolverines are ready to make a push for a championship.
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