NU still can’t beat ranked opponent as Michigan escapes in OT

ANN ARBOR—Tim Hardaway Jr. was a bit careless while contesting Alex Marcotullio’s shot, fouling the 3-point shooter with 0.3 seconds remaining in a game Michigan led by three.Marcotullio went to the free throw line and immediately missed — and Hardaway could breathe easy.Michigan was far from perfect Wednesday night, but the 13th-ranked Wolverines were a happy bunch after holding off Northwestern 66-64 in overtime. The Wildcats led by 10 in the second half before Michigan rallied and forced a tense finish. Hardaway scored 19 points and freshman Trey Burke added 19 of his own, including the Wolverines’ final eight.NU is still winless against ranked teams this season as their try for a first ever NCAA Tournament bid keeps slipping away.Hardaway and Burke both played all 45 minutes.Northwestern (11-5, 1-3 Big Ten) trailed 66-63 when Marcotullio was fouled by Hardaway in the right corner. He hadn’t attempted a shot all night and had only six free throw tries on the season. After missing the first, Marcotullio made the second and had to intentionally miss the third. The Wildcats were unable to tip in the rebound.John Shurna also went 45 minutes, scoring 21 points for Northwestern. Drew Crawford added 20.Michigan (14-3, 4-1) shot only 33 percent from the field but had 17 offensive rebounds and forced 16 turnovers.After Burke’s basket put the Wolverines ahead 60-58, officials called a contact technical foul on Michigan’s Jordan Morgan with 2:11 remaining. But Northwestern couldn’t take advantage. Crawford made only one of two free throws, and a miss by Dave Sobolewski gave the Wolverines the ball back.