ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Michigan Wolverines showcased their tenacity and resilience on Thursday night, snatching victory from defeat with a buzzer-beater as they triumphed over Rutgers 84-82 at Crisler Center. This thrilling contest served as another reminder of the heart-pounding excitement of collegiate basketball, especially as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy within the Big Ten Conference.
Trailing by as much as 12 points in the second half, the Wolverines rallied thanks to some stellar defensive play and clutch shooting. Head coach Dusty May's squad displayed grit and determination, with the standout moment coming from Nimari Burnett. With just 3.3 seconds remaining and Michigan down 81-82, Burnett received the ball after Danny Wolf navigated through heavy traffic. The seasoned player then launched a deep three-pointer, sealing the game just before the buzzer sounded.
“Nimari Burnett's deep three from the left wing was nothing short of miraculous,” said May post-game. Burnett finished the night with 20 points, marking his season high, and played a pivotal role, especially when it mattered most.
Vladislav Goldin also emerged as a key player for Michigan, recording another impressive performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds. His contributions were fundamental, especially with 17 of those points coming in the first half. His ability to dominate the boards helped keep Michigan competitive against the Scarlet Knights, who shot an astounding 68 percent from the field during the first half.
The first half saw Rutgers seize momentum early, with dynamic play from freshman stars Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. The duo combined for solid scoring runs, propelling their team to lead 57-49 at halftime. Rutgers' offensive efficiency left Michigan scrambling, as they struggled to find answers defensively.
Despite the rough start, the Wolverines were determined not to let this game slip. Burnett's sharp shooting, combined with the efforts of Will Tschetter, who added 16 points, and Danny Wolf's overall contributions—including the game-winning assist—ensured Michigan remained viable candidates to secure victory.
The second half became a chess match, with both teams exchanging hard-fought points and showcasing their defensive skills—particularly Michigan, which allowed just eight points over the final minutes of the game. With 7:49 remaining, Michigan launched its comeback, powered by exceptional efforts from Goldin, Tschetter, and Burnett, who scored nine of Michigan's first 11 points of the half.
With under two minutes to go, the game was tied at 76, with frenetic play displayed by both teams. After Rutgers regained the lead, Michigan's Tre Donaldson provided the go-ahead layup, which put the team back up by one with just over thirty seconds left. But the excitement did not stop there; Tyson Acuff's subsequent foul resulted in two made free throws, giving Rutgers the slight edge before Michigan's final offensive bid.
With the game clock winding down during the final seconds, May sensed the urgency and called for one last timeout to set up the decisive play. This strategic move allowed Burnett to step up and demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure.
“I felt confident taking the shot even with the defense closing in,” Burnett said. “Just trusting my work and putting it up there.” His words encapsulated the thrill of the moment and the collective effort displayed by the Wolverines throughout the game.
Michigan's surge over the second half not only pulled them closer to the game but also underlined their resilience, earning their eighth win out of the past nine games. Their record now stands at 22-6 overall and 14-3 within the conference, helping to solidify their position at the top of the Big Ten standings alongside rival Michigan State.
Reflecting on the performance post-game, Goldin mentioned, “We knew we had to dig deep if we wanted to win this one. It just goes to show what we are capable of when we work as one unit.”
Rutgers heads home defeated but should not be dismissed. They demonstrated immense potential with their offensive capabilities, led by Acuff’s 16 points and strong contributions from Harper and Bailey. Despite their 14-15 season record with 7-11 conference play, Rutgers outperformed expectations multiple times this season.
Looking forward, the Wolverines's focus shifts to their next formidable opponent, Illinois, on Sunday, March 2, at 3:45 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast live on CBS.
Every win counts as teams gear up for March Madness, and this nail-biter is sure to stoke enthusiasm and hope among Wolverines fans going forward. With the dynamics of college basketball, you never know what excitement awaits around the corner. Buckle up!