No. 2 Michigan rallies from 16-point deficit to beat Northwestern

Wolverines overcome largest halftime deficit of the season to stay atop Big Ten standings

Feb. 12, 2026 at 6:15am

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L.J. Cason scored 18 points and Yaxel Lendeborg notched a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds to help No. 2 Michigan rally for an 87-75 victory against host Northwestern on Wednesday in Evanston, Ill. The Wolverines faced a 16-point deficit in the second half before storming back to take the lead and pull away for the win.

Why it matters

Michigan's comeback victory over Northwestern keeps the Wolverines atop the Big Ten standings and in contention for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The game also highlighted the team's resilience in overcoming a large deficit on the road against a conference opponent.

The details

Michigan trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half before mounting a furious rally. Trey McKenney's 3-pointer put the Wolverines ahead for good with 7:14 remaining, and they led by as many as 12 points down the stretch. In addition to Cason and Lendeborg's strong performances, Tarris Reed Jr. added 16 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for Michigan.

  • Michigan faced its largest halftime deficit, nine points, and trailed by a season-high 16 when the Wildcats' Angelo Ciaravino hit a jumper in the paint to cap an 8-2 run with 14:22 left.

The players

L.J. Cason

Scored 18 points for Michigan in the comeback victory.

Yaxel Lendeborg

Recorded a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds for Michigan.

Trey McKenney

Drilled a 3-pointer to put Michigan ahead 68-67 with 7:14 to go, giving the Wolverines their first lead since early in the game.

Angelo Ciaravino

Hit a jumper in the paint to cap an 8-2 run that gave Northwestern a season-high 16-point lead over Michigan.

Jayden Reid

Responded with a jumper for Northwestern after Michigan took the lead, but the Wolverines never relinquished the advantage after that.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Michigan's comeback victory over Northwestern showcases the team's resilience and ability to overcome large deficits, an important trait as they continue their push for a high NCAA Tournament seed and a potential conference championship.