Michigan Defeats Northwestern in NCAAB Clash
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Welsh-Ryan Arena
Michigan Wolverines 87, Northwestern Wildcats 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Michigan Wolverines vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Michigan Wolverines beat Northwestern Wildcats 87-75 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 11, 2026.
Who was favored in Michigan Wolverines vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Michigan Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1650 (about 94% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena, the Michigan Wolverines triumphed over the Northwestern Wildcats with a final score of 87 to 75. This victory extends Michigan's impressive winning streak to eight games, showcasing their dominance in the current season. The Wolverines, boasting a record of 23-1, have been a formidable force, averaging 83.5 points per game while allowing 71.3 points in their last ten outings. In stark contrast, the Wildcats have struggled, now holding a record of 10-15, with a recent average of 67.5 points scored and 75.7 points allowed.
The game began with Michigan asserting their offensive prowess, quickly establishing a lead that Northwestern struggled to overcome. The Wolverines' recent form has been exceptional, with a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, while Northwestern has faltered with a 2-8 record in the same span, currently on a three-game losing streak. The Wildcats managed to secure only one victory in their last five games, further highlighting their difficulties this season.
Historically, this fixture has not favored Northwestern, as they fell to Michigan in their previous meeting during the 2025 season, losing 76-80. This latest defeat adds to their woes against the Wolverines, who have now bested them in both encounters this season.
In terms of home and away performance, Michigan has excelled on the road, maintaining an impressive away record of 5-0 in their last five games. Northwestern, on the other hand, has struggled at home, with a home record of 1-3 in their last four games. This disparity in performance was evident throughout the match, as Michigan's ability to score consistently outpaced Northwestern's efforts.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this matchup, as both teams fielded their key players. However, the pressure of the game was palpable, especially for Northwestern, who needed a win to boost their morale and standings.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Michigan favored by 15.5 points, indicating the expectation of a strong performance from the Wolverines. The total points line was set at 153.5, reflecting the anticipated offensive capabilities of both teams. As the game unfolded, Michigan's scoring ability proved to be a decisive factor, aligning with the market's expectations.
The conditions in Welsh-Ryan Arena were conducive to a competitive game, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a home crowd for Northwestern. Despite the support, the Wildcats could not capitalize on their home advantage, allowing Michigan to dictate the pace and flow of the game.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted Michigan's offensive depth. Key contributions from players such as Aday Mara and Jayden Reid helped maintain Michigan's lead, while Northwestern's attempts to close the gap fell short as the game neared its conclusion. The final minutes saw Michigan solidifying their victory with free throws, further extending their lead.
Overall, this matchup underscored the contrasting trajectories of the two programs this season. While Michigan continues to build momentum towards postseason aspirations, Northwestern faces challenges that will need to be addressed if they hope to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MICH -15.5 | 153.5 o -115 / u -105 | Michigan Wolverines -1650 · Northwestern Wildcats +950 |
Leaders
- PointsJayden Reid20Northwestern Wildcats
- AssistsJake West5Northwestern Wildcats
- ReboundsNick Martinelli8Northwestern Wildcats
- PointsL.J. Cason18Michigan Wolverines
- AssistsAday Mara7Michigan Wolverines
- ReboundsYaxel Lendeborg12Michigan Wolverines
Recent form
Northwestern Wildcats
Last 10: 2-8Streak L367.5 scored · 75.7 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L70-76at Iowa HawkeyesFeb 8
- L44-84at Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 5
- L62-76vs Washington HuskiesFeb 1
- W94-73vs Penn State Nittany LionsJan 30
- L64-71at UCLA BruinsJan 24
- W74-68at USC TrojansJan 22
- L58-77vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 17
- L68-79vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 15
- L75-77at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 11
- L66-76at Michigan State SpartansJan 8
Michigan Wolverines
Last 10: 9-1Streak W883.5 scored · 71.3 allowed per game5-0 away
- W82-61at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 8
- W110-69vs Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 5
- W83-71at Michigan State SpartansJan 31
- W75-72vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 28
- W74-62vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 24
- W86-72vs Indiana HoosiersJan 21
- W81-71at Oregon DucksJan 17
- W82-72at Washington HuskiesJan 15
- L88-91vs Wisconsin BadgersJan 10
- W74-72at Penn State Nittany LionsJan 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Michigan Wolverines | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-69 | 28-70 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 8-29 | 6-25 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 24 |
| Free throws | 19-27 | 13-14 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 93 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 18 |
| Assists | 21 | 14 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 8 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 32 |
| Fouls | 14 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 21 | 71 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-58Angelo Ciaravino makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half43-58Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-58Roddy Gayle Jr. makes 2-foot dunk (L.J. Cason assists)
- 2nd Half47-58Morez Johnson Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half47-59Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-60Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-60L.J. Cason makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-60Yaxel Lendeborg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-60Trey McKenney makes 26-foot three point jumper (Aday Mara assists)
- 2nd Half55-60L.J. Cason makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60L.J. Cason makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-60Morez Johnson Jr. makes 4-foot dunk (L.J. Cason assists)
- 2nd Half58-61Nick Martinelli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-62Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-64Arrinten Page makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half60-64L.J. Cason makes layup (Aday Mara assists)
- 2nd Half60-67Nick Martinelli makes 27-foot three point jumper (Arrinten Page assists)
- 2nd Half63-67L.J. Cason makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half64-67L.J. Cason makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-67L.J. Cason makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-67Trey McKenney makes 24-foot three point jumper (Morez Johnson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half68-69Jayden Reid makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half69-69Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Yaxel Lendeborg makes layup (Aday Mara assists)
- 2nd Half72-69Trey McKenney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-69Trey McKenney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-69Aday Mara makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (L.J. Cason assists)
- 2nd Half75-71Tyler Kropp makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half77-71Morez Johnson Jr. makes 5-foot dunk (Aday Mara assists)
- 2nd Half78-71Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half80-71Aday Mara makes 1-foot dunk (Yaxel Lendeborg assists)
- 2nd Half82-71Yaxel Lendeborg makes 4-foot dunk (Aday Mara assists)
- 2nd Half83-71Aday Mara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-72Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-73Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-75Jayden Reid makes layup
- 2nd Half84-75Trey McKenney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-75Trey McKenney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-75L.J. Cason makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-75L.J. Cason makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northwestern Wildcats, below favours Michigan Wolverines.
Venue
- Welsh-Ryan ArenaEvanston, IL
- Attendance7039
- OfficialsVerne Harris, Earl Walton, Brian Dorsey
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
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