TIME / TV: 9:00PM ET on Big Ten Network
There is not doubt about it, Northwestern has exceeded anyone's expectations. At the beginning of the year, everyone thought this was the year for the Wildcats, this was the first year that they would make the NCAA Tournament, well that looks like they wont this year, unless they win the rest of their away games against ranked opponents.
After getting off to a great start, the Northwestern Wildcats have seen their selves take a face plant. Ever since John Shurna injured his ankle, they haven't been up to par. Saturday, they almost knocked off a ranked Michigan State team on the road but then fell short as the Spartans came storming back and won in overtime.
If Northwestern would have gotten that win, it would have been crucial to their effort to getting back on the bubble. Since they lost, it will take a miraculous comeback to make the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan is having an okay year, after this was expected to be a dreadful down season. They play better at home than on the road, as most teams do. They are just coming off a loss to Indiana on the road. They will look to recover from that tonight.
John Shurna still leads the Wildcats with 19 points per game, but his contribution has been diminished since the injury, he was once the leading scorer in the Big Ten. Michigan is lead by Morris in points and Novak in rebounds.
Overall, I think Northwestern wins this game by about 10 points. They are coming off a loss and they get the home court and crowd. They should win this game. But don't be surprised if Michigan pulls it out.