The season is winding down, and it’s about time for Michigan to make its annual visit to Welsh-Ryan Arena to break the hearts of Northwestern fans.

The Wildcats needed a win in their final home game last season to clinch postseason eligibility, but the Wolverines spoiled any celebration parties in Evanston by coming away with a 63-56 win.

NU went on to finish 1-1 in the Big Ten tournament, finishing one game under .500 and missing its first trip to the NIT since 1999.

Again this season, NU (13-13, 5-8 Big Ten) needs two wins in its final three regular season games to ensure postseason eligibility. The Cats will have the opportunity to pick up one of those wins against Michigan at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. And they’ll have a chance to exact some revenge.

Michigan (13-15, 4-10) also defeated NU 71-61 in the teams’ first meeting of the season on Jan. 12 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

But the Wolverines will be without guard Daniel Horton for Saturday’s game. Horton scored 24 points against NU earlier in the year, but he has since been suspended for the remainder of the season. Horton pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence in connection with the choking of his girlfriend Dec. 10.

NU coach Bill Carmody said Wednesday injured center Mike Thompson is “doubtful” for the Michigan game with a sprained foot.

Thompson had practiced lightly on the foot but experienced a setback before the Illinois game Wednesday and didn’t make the trip.

Reach Zach Silka at [email protected].