Michigan Outlasts Nebraska in Top-5 Showdown, Takes Control of Big Ten Race
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - In a heavyweight battle between two of the Big Ten’s best, No. 3 Michigan delivered a gritty 75-72 win over previously unbeaten No.
5 Nebraska at Crisler Arena on Tuesday night. The victory not only moved the Wolverines to 19-1 (9-1 Big Ten), but also handed them sole possession of first place in the conference standings.
This one wasn’t pretty - and that’s exactly how Michigan wanted it.
“They gave us everything,” head coach Dusty May said postgame, tipping his cap to a short-handed but relentless Nebraska squad. “They played as hard and physical as ever.”
The Cornhuskers, who came in undefeated, jumped out to an 11-point lead in the first half, disrupting Michigan’s rhythm on both ends. But May and his staff made key halftime adjustments - especially on the defensive end - that flipped the script.
The Wolverines tweaked their ball-screen coverage and ramped up the urgency to close out on shooters. The result?
Nebraska was held scoreless for the final three to four minutes of regulation.
“We had to muck it up tonight,” May said. “Our size, length, and athleticism helped us change shots and force tough attempts.”
It wasn’t just the defense that stepped up late. With the game hanging in the balance, freshman guard Trey McKenney came through in the clutch, knocking down critical free throws that helped seal the win.
“When you’re chasing a championship, different guys have to step up each night,” May said. “Trey made some big free throws that shifted momentum.”
Still, May didn’t sugarcoat his team’s offensive struggles. The Wolverines had stretches where the ball stuck too long, and turnovers piled up under Nebraska’s physical pressure.
“We didn’t move the ball well enough,” May admitted. “But our sheer will to win the last few minutes was impressive.”
One player who consistently brought that will? Big man Morez Johnson Jr., who powered the Wolverines with 17 points and 12 rebounds. His presence in the paint was pivotal, especially in a game that turned into a battle of attrition.
“Size and physicality matter in games like this,” May said. “You’re not going to get pretty offense for 40 minutes against a team like Nebraska. You’ve got to grind.”
That grind-it-out mentality was matched by the crowd at Crisler Arena, which brought postseason-level energy throughout the night.
“When you can’t hear yourself think on defense, that’s a cool thing,” May said. “Our student section is one of the best environments in the country.”
As for Nebraska, May didn’t hold back in his praise.
“They’re top five for a reason. Hats off to them,” he said.
“They were missing a key piece, but other guys stepped up. We had to adjust.”
Now, Michigan turns its attention to Friday night’s rivalry matchup on the road against Michigan State. The Spartans may be unranked, but in this rivalry, records rarely matter.
“There’s nothing easy about Friday night,” May said. “It’s a rivalry game with a lot on the line. We have to play better on the road and get over the hump.”
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. at the Breslin Center - and if Tuesday night was any indication, the Wolverines are ready to embrace the fight.