Michigan has at least three games remaining before Selection Sunday on March 12.
And, as this program knows well, an NCAA tournament at-large berth is far from guaranteed.
But after experiencing many different scenarios over the years, including sliding in as part of the First Four last year, the Wolverines hope Saturday's 82-70 win over Purdue resonates with the tournament selection committee.
"The same formula forever: You've got to beat top-50 teams, top 25 or better and then you've got to wins some games on the road," U-M coach John Beilein said.
That is where Michigan has made its greatest strides in the past six games, winning five of them, pushing the Wolverines to No.