Watch: Michigan's Howard hits Wisconsin assistant after loss

Michigan's 77-63 loss to Wisconsin on Sunday took an ugly turn when Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard struck Badgers assistant Joe Krabbenhoft during a heated postgame exchange.

Members of both teams engaged in a scrum following Howard's hit, with Wolverines starter Moussa Diabate among the participants to throw a punch.

Howard, 49, said postgame he took offense to Wisconsin head coach Gard's late timeout near the end of the victory. Howard stood by his actions, saying he felt the need to defend himself after Gard touched him in the handshake line.

"For someone to touch me, I think that was very uncalled for ... as we were verbalizing and communicating with one another," Howard told reporters. "So that's what ended up happening. That's what escalated it."

Sunday wasn't the first time Howard has engaged in a spat with a Big Ten opponent; he was ejected from last year's conference tournament for an altercation with then-Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon.

The Wolverines' loss pushes them further toward the NCAA Tournament bubble at 14-11 on the season. The team could soon have to improve its resume without its head coach if Howard is suspended.

"I respect whatever the Big Ten (decides) - decisions they make," Howard said. "It's up to them."

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel later commented on the matter.

"There is no excuse for any of our staff or student-athletes to get into a physical altercation with others, regardless of instigating factors," Manuel said in a statement.

He added: "We will review the situation more thoroughly and work with the Big Ten conference as they determine their disciplinary actions and will determine if any further disciplinary actions are needed."