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Late long-distance shooting saves Michigan in 72-63 win

Posted at 7:54 AM, Feb 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-25 07:54:03-05

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Muhammad-Ali Abdur Rahkman scored 19 points and Aubrey Dawkins broke Michigan out of its long-distance shooting slump in time to salvage a 72-63 win over Northwestern on Wednesday night.

A Dawkins 3-pointer put the Wolverines (20-9, 10-6 Big Ten) ahead for good, 57-54, with 4:18 left. The sophomore also hit a pair of 3s over an 80-second stretch midway through the second half to tie the game at 44. Michigan took its first lead moments later.

It was a needed boost for a Michigan team that entered the game shooting 40 percent from behind the 3-point line and making a Big Ten-best 10.2 per game. The Wolverines were 4-of-14 from behind the arc Wednesday, with the only other made basket being a Duncan Robinson shot at the halftime buzzer that pulled Michigan within 29-28.

Dawkins finished with 11 points and Derrick Walton Jr. added 16 for Michigan.

Alex Olah scored 19 points and grabbed five rebounds for Northwestern (17-11, 5-10).