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Posted on Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 5:57 a.m.

Michigan basketball players know it is a critical week, a health update and more notes

By Michael Rothstein

John Beilein says he doesn’t look into the future or worry about where his Michigan basketball team may or may not stand in post-season projections.

His players, though, are quite aware.

“We’ve said it out loud in the locker room,” Michigan guard Stu Douglass said. “There’s no hiding from it at all. But maybe a little difference from last year, we’ve been able to take it one game at a time and still not be too scared at the big picture.

“This week is very crucial for us.”

There isn’t a ringleader of the bracket studies in the Michigan locker room, but rather a compilation of everyone paying attention to it.

So they understand what tonight’s game against Northwestern (6:30 p.m., BTN) at Crisler Arena could mean. With both teams at 14 wins overall and at 4-7 in the Big Ten, it is essentially an elimination game for the NCAA Tournament.

In some ways, it's a game both teams need to have to ensure at least an NIT berth in March, too.

Before the season, Douglass said the NCAA Tournament was the goal for his team. Junior guard Zack Novak, among others, said Michigan would surprise some people.

This week gives Michigan that chance.

“We just have to put it out in the open and accept it and embrace it,” Douglass said. “It’s kind of ... a whole new season a little bit.”

The Wolverines have long been looking at the big picture. On Jan. 21, sophomore guard Darius Morris told the media he looked at the schedule and said he envisioned his team winning every game the rest of the way.

The Wolverines lost to Minnesota the next night, 69-64, and ended up having a series of meetings after that loss.

Since then, Michigan has won three of its last four games and Morris admitted he made his brash statement to pump his teammates up.

“You have to visualize success before it happens,” Morris said. “If you believe it, you have a chance to achieve it. I looked at our schedule realistically and could see that all the games were winnable.

“I was thinking this even when we were on our six-game losing streak. I just had that confidence in us and our team and hopefully that translated to everybody else on our squad.”

Revenge games? Last month, Michigan played on the road at Indiana and at Northwestern are were beaten handily by double-digits, the worst two games of the season for the Wolverines.

At the time, it looked like Michigan might bottom out. Instead, the Wolverines have rebounded.

“Can’t wait to meet the challenge (today) and also looking forward to the weekend game,” Morris said. “Whenever you lose to a team, you always can’t wait for that next one.

“Luckily, we have a chance to prove ourselves.”

Finally healthy For the past two games, Michigan has missed key contributors due to illness — Matt Vogrich against Ohio State and both Jon Horford and Colton Christian against Penn State.

Beilein said his team shouldn’t have any missing rotation pieces against Northwestern.

“I think we’re pretty healthy,” Beilein said. “Got a couple guys in the training room right now, but I think we’re okay. The sick guys, I think they’re done.

“Let’s just hope no one else, all of a sudden, has some issues in practice and visits the garbage can.”

Michigan will be without one player, Josh Bartelstein, who is recovering from a concussion.

This and that Morris said he was aware the Penn State crowd booed him mercilessly throughout Sunday’s game. “A little bit,” Morris said. “Just walking to the sidelines they were yelling a lot of stuff. That normally doesn’t happen.” … Gus Johnson and Shon Morris will call tonight’s game from Crisler Arena.

Michael Rothstein covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.

Comments

Spud

Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.

In response to michboy40; the Penn State crowd thought he faked an injury. Upon the refs calling for a injury timeout, he hopped right up.

michboy40

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.

Did I miss something? why was the Penn State crowd riding DM?

Blu-dogg97

Wed, Feb 9, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.

I like this teams attitude,and I like their chances... GO BLUE...