Nimari Burnett beats the buzzer to keep Michigan basketball alive in Big Ten race

Just when you thought that Michigan basketball was going to fall behind in the Big Ten race, Nimari Burnett saved the day.

With 15 points in the second half, including three as time expired, Michigan basketball survived against the Scarlet Knights on Thursday night, 84-82.

Just one day after Michigan State beat the buzzer to beat Maryland, the Wolverines found themselves trailing by 13 points late in the first half. Vlad Goldin refused to let Michigan basketball get too far behind.

And after an atrocious defensive effort in the first half, Michigan strung together enough stops to make a run. Goldin tied the game late with a dunk. Danny Wolf put Michigan ahead by one before a Trey Donaldson layup gave U-M a one-point lead with 31 seconds left.

Yet, Donaldson fouled on a 3-point shot on the next Rutgers possession. Two free throws put Rutgers in front. After Burnett nearly traveled, Dusty May called timeout with 3.3 seconds left. The ball got to Danny Wolf, who stumbled, found Burnett, and the rest was history.

Michigan basketball tied for Big Ten lead

Michigan is now 14-3 and remains tied with Michigan State for first place. Burnett scored 20 points grabbed four rebounds, and had two assists in one of the best games of his career. That had to be the best moment.

Goldin dominated inside with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Danny Wolf added 10 points, eight boards, and four rebounds. Will Tschetter also had 16 off the bench but the Wolverines still shot just 24 percent from deep.

The number would have been even worse without Burnett who got it done on both ends in the second half. Ace Bailey was limited to 13 points. Dylan Harper had 17 and that was just enough for Michigan to escape with the win.

Up next is Illinois and Michigan still controls its own destiny thanks to a miracle moment from Burnett.