Ann Arbor — Purdue coach Matt Painter knew what Zavier Simpson was capable of since he watched him as a junior in high school.
Michigan coach Juwan Howard had witnessed Simpson’s abilities before he even returned to the college game and his alma mater.
So, when Simpson took over and came through with clutch bucket after clutch bucket to help No. 19 Michigan outlast Purdue in an 84-78 double-overtime victory at Crisler Center, neither were surprised.
“I have one of the best point guards in college basketball,” Howard said. “We have one of the best leaders in college basketball, one of the toughest competitors in college basketball.