Harris helps Michigan top No. 15 Connecticut 68-63

(AP) — Zack Novak made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1½ minutes left and Manny Harris followed with a layup to lift Michigan a 68-63 win over No. 15 Connecticut on Sunday.

Harris finished with 18 points for the Wolverines (10-7), who earned the signature win they needed in a season that started with them ranked 15th, coming off their first NCAA tournament bid since 1998.

The Huskies (11-6) have lost three straight for the first time since closing the 2006-07 season with four losses.

Connecticut's Kemba Walker had 15, Gavin Edwards scored 14, Jerome Dyson had 13 and Stanley Robinson added 11.

The Huskies struggled at the free-throw line, missing four in the last 45 seconds and going 16 of 25 overall. Dyson, the team's leading scorer, was 5 of 16 from the field and 2 for 5 at the line.

Harris has played well all season for Michigan. For a change, he got plenty of help.

Stu Douglass scored 13 points — making three 3-pointers — Novak had 10 points. DeShawn Sims had eight points and 11 rebounds while dealing with foul trouble and Anthony Wright nearly doubled his season high with nine points.

Novak's clutch 3-pointer put Michigan ahead 61-58. He also made two free throws in the final minute to seal the victory that led to a fired-up crowd rushing the court.

Harris opened the second half with a putback to put the Wolverines up by 11. Connecticut responded with a 16-5 run that Edwards capped with back-to-back baskets.

Both teams took turns with the lead and Novak provided a boost by swatting an alley-oop pass by the Huskies and scoring on an offensive rebound putback on the ensuing possession.

The Wolverines fell behind 12-6, but quickly showed they had enough talent and confidence to win the game.

Douglass made consecutive 3-pointers to tie it and Michigan led 32-23 at halftime.