It's almost funny to think that Michigan basketball had a reputation as a team that couldn't finish games this season, although there was a reason for that.
Four of Michigan's five losses have come after halftime leads or leading by 11 points or more. So those critcisms were warranted. But they aren't anymore.
The Wolverines have proven their mental toughness and their ability to grind out Big Ten basketball games. They proved it again Saturday with a win in Columbus on Sunday.
This was their seventh quad-1 victory. Michigan basketball has now beaten UCLA, Wisconsin, Ohio State, USC, Indiana, and Rutgers on the road.
That's how you win a conference championship -- by winning on the road. Only the best teams can do it and to win a league title, you usually need to be .500 or better on the road in your league.
Michigan has passed that test. It's hard not to marvel at the job done by Dusty May. He's got the Midas touch. LJ Cason came in late in the first half and delivered five key points then didn't play again in the second half.
The switch of Rubin Jones to the starting lineup with Roddy Gayle going to the bench continues to pay dividends. Gayle didn't have the best offensive game scoring nine points on 3-of-9 shooting but the former Buckeye scored the go-ahead bucket, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out two assists.
It was easy to see a big game coming from Gayle. He made key plays down the stretch against Purdue and has fit well in his new role. Rubin Jones is doing the same. He had a steal and score, made a 3-pointer, scored eight points, and didn't miss a shot.
Vlad Goldin notched a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. He scored a key bucket late too after an offensive putback. Goldin finished 9-of-14. Danny Wolf also took over down the stretch with 17 points, most of them coming in the second half. He also tore down 11 rebounds.
When both of your bigs finish with double-doubles, you're probably going to win the game. Ohio State won the 3-point battle but not by enough for it to matter. Michigan made seven triples and won the game by shooting 54 percent on 2-point attempts.
It's not the signature win that Purdue was but even for Michigan basketball, beating Ohio State is incredibly important for the head coach to do and Dusty May is now 1-0.
He's passed every test with flying colors. Michigan State is up next. Win that game and winning the Big Ten championship might just turn from dream to reality.