Michigan Wolverines vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Predictions January 19th 2025

No. 20 Michigan Looks to Rebound Against Northwestern

The No. 20 Michigan Wolverines aim to bounce back from a tough overtime loss when they host the Northwestern Wildcats in Big Ten action on Sunday. Michigan’s five-game winning streak was snapped in heartbreaking fashion, while Northwestern secured an overtime victory to snap a losing streak of its own.

Michigan Looking to Clean Up Mistakes

The Wolverines (13-4, 5-1 Big Ten) were stunned by Minnesota on Thursday, falling 84-81 in overtime after allowing a 10-point second-half lead to slip away. Dawson Garcia’s long three-pointer at the buzzer sealed the loss, handing Michigan its first conference defeat to a team without a previous Big Ten win.

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One of the biggest issues for Michigan was turnovers—they committed 13 giveaways while forcing just six. Head coach Dusty May emphasized the importance of taking better care of the ball moving forward.

“The ones early in the game, it sets the tone that that’s how the game is going to be, especially when we were finding good looks,” May said. “Our defense, our ability to rebound the basketball when it really mattered was, I think, ultimately the difference.”

Key Players for Michigan

• Danny Wolf (23 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST vs. Minnesota) – Had a strong game but committed six turnovers, which contributed to Michigan’s struggles.
• Vladislav Goldin (18 PTS vs. Minnesota, 36 PTS vs. UCLA) – An impactful presence in the paint, but his 5-for-15 shooting against Minnesota left room for improvement.

May expects better efficiency and discipline from both big men against Northwestern.

“Vlad’s played a lot of basketball games, and I’m just going to chalk this up to just wasn’t his night,” May said. “We’ve got to be more determined on the glass. We’ve got to be more aggressive finishing.”

Offensive Momentum Still Strong

Despite the loss, Michigan has scored at least 80 points in nine straight games—though Thursday’s overtime helped extend that streak. If they can limit turnovers and finish better inside, they have the firepower to return to their winning ways.

Northwestern Gaining Confidence After Overtime Win

The Wildcats (11-6, 2-4 Big Ten) finally ended a three-game losing streak with a thrilling 76-74 overtime win over Maryland on Thursday. Nick Martinelli played the hero, hitting the game-winning shot at the buzzer.

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After struggling through losses to Penn State, Purdue, and Michigan State, Northwestern’s confidence is growing as they look to build off the momentum from Thursday’s win.

“It’s been a tough couple weeks,” head coach Chris Collins said. “Any time you go through this league, every team in this league puts a lot into every single game, and when you have a couple week stretch where you don’t win, it’s hard. You just have to keep fighting.”

Key Players for Northwestern

• Nick Martinelli (20.0 PPG) – Leads the team in scoring and delivered the buzzer-beating game-winner against Maryland.
• Brooks Barnhizer (18.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG) – Northwestern’s most versatile player, leading the team in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Had a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double vs. Maryland—his ninth of the season.

Martinelli’s clutch shot earned him a Gatorade shower from his teammates, but he was quick to credit the team effort.

“That play, obviously, it’s cool, but it does not define the game at all,” Martinelli said. “There were so many people who had to make big plays.”

Can Michigan Limit Turnovers and Get Back on Track?

While Michigan’s offense remains dangerous, their turnovers and defensive lapses have cost them key games. Meanwhile, Northwestern has a renewed sense of confidence after their dramatic win.

Will the Wolverines clean up their mistakes and return to winning form, or can Northwestern build off its momentum and pull off an upset in Ann Arbor? Sunday’s matchup will provide the answer.