EVANSTON, Ill. - Boo Buie became the all-time leading scorer in program history as Northwestern stormed back from an early double-digit deficit to defeat Michigan (8-19, 3-13 B1G), 76-62, this evening inside Welsh-Ryan Arena. Tonight's victory marks the Wildcats' first win over the Wolverines since February 6, 2018.
Buie closed his night with 16 points and a game-high seven assists. For the second time in as many outings, the Wildcats (19-8, 10-6 B1G) were led by Ryan Langborg, who knocked down five threes as he led all scorers with 20 points. Brooks Barnhizer rounded out a trio in double figures for Northwestern with 19 points and a game-best 12 rebounds.
Special Team. Special Night. pic.twitter.com/mzasAyvjwg
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) February 23, 2024
How It Happened
Buie wasted no time going on the attack, finishing at the rim just 21 seconds in to put the 'Cats on the board first, 2-0. Michigan countered with nine unanswered points before a Luke Hunger dunk snapped the Northwestern drought and trimmed the gap to 9-4. The visitors continued to operate at an efficient clip, taking their largest lead of the night, 16-5, on a trey from Terrance Williams II at the 13:23 mark.
With Michigan holding an 18-11 lead, Buie reached the mountain top just past the midway point of the first half, drilling a three that saw him surpass former Wildcat John Shurna for the top spot on the program's career scoring chart, while also cutting the Wolverines' lead to four, 18-14.
After seeing Michigan reestablish a nine-point lead, 28-19, threes on consecutive trips from Barnhizer and Langborg brought Northwestern back within one, 28-27, before Buie connected from distance with 3:40 remaining to pull the 'Cats level, 30-30. Langborg provided the exclamation mark on the opening stanza, connecting on his second trey of the night to send Northwestern into halftime with a 37-34 lead.
The Wildcats looked to pick up right where they left off to begin the second half, with back-to-back buckets from Barnhizer staking Northwestern to a 41-34 lead with two minutes gone. Michigan refused to fold, going back on top, 44-43, on a Nimari Burnett three with 15:36 to go. Northwestern responded with an 8-0 run, highlighted by two more Langborg triples, to establish a 51-44 advantage.
Nick Martinelli finished with authority at the 10:27 mark, giving the 'Cats their first double-digit lead of the night, 57-47. Langborg's fifth three of the game saw Northwestern take its largest lead of the night to that point, 68-54, with only 4:43 to play in regulation. The Wildcats would never be threatened the rest of the way, surging to their 14th home win of the season.
Game Notes
» Following tonight's showing, Buie now sits atop Northwestern's career scoring chart with 2,050 points to his name.» Buie reached double figures in scoring for the 105th time in his storied career this evening.
» Langborg finished 7-of-15 from the field, a mark that included a 5-of-9 ledger from beyond the three-point arc.
» Tonight marked Langborg's third 20-plus point effort of the year and third outing with five made triples.
» Led by Langborg's showing, Northwestern finished 10-of-22 (.454) from three-point land.
» Barnhizer added three treys of his own as he closed his night at 8-of-16 from the field en route to his sixth double-double of 2023-24.
» Northwestern owned a 36-27 edge in the rebounding battle.
» That tally included a 14-5 advantage in offensive rebounds, as Northwestern boasted a 15-7 lead in second-chance points.
» The 'Cats are now 13-2 (.867) this season when outrebounding their opponent.
» Paced by Buie's seven helpers, Northwestern dished out 19 assists in contrast to only five turnovers.
» Burnett finished with 15 points to lead Michigan.
Up Next
Northwestern will be idle for just under a week before it visits Maryland for a 6 p.m. CT tip-off on Wednesday, February 28. The matchup against the Terrapins will air on Big Ten Network and WGN Radio 720.
This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.