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Michigan ends Nebraska’s unbeaten season in thrilling B1G showdown
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Michigan Wolverines delivered a statement win in Ann Arbor, knocking off the previously undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers 75-72 in a Big Ten thriller that had all the makings of a March classic. With 12,707 fans packed into the Crisler Center, the third-ranked Wolverines ended Nebraska’s perfect season in dramatic fashion, showcasing the kind of grit that defines conference play.
Final Score:
The game featured 3 lead changes and 2 ties, with Nebraska jumping out to a 50-48 halftime advantage before Michigan’s second-half surge proved decisive. Head coach Dusty May’s squad outscored the Cornhuskers 27-22 after the break, using its size advantage and free-throw shooting to pull away when it mattered most.
Michigan’s dominance came from controlling the paint and the glass. The Wolverines out-rebounded Nebraska 35-23, including an 8-5 edge on the offensive boards that translated into second-chance opportunities. That interior presence paid off with a 38-32 advantage in points in the paint, while Michigan’s 19-of-23 free-throw shooting (82.6%) compared to Nebraska’s 3-of-4 sealed the deal down the stretch.
Yes, you read that correctly — Nebraska only went to the free-throw line 4 times on Tuesday night in Ann Arbor.
Morez Johnson Jr. was the star of the show for Michigan, posting a dominant double-double with 17 points and a game-high 12 rebounds on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting performance. His presence in the paint anchored Michigan’s comeback effort. Trey McKenney provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, including 2 crucial 3-pointers, while Nimari Burnett added 9 points in the winning effort.
Nebraska got balanced scoring from Pryce Sandfort and Jamarques Lawrence, who each dropped 20 points. Sandfort connected on 5 triples while Lawrence added 4 from beyond the arc. Sam Hoiberg stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the upset.
The loss marked a significant shift in Big Ten standings, as Michigan (19-1) extended its winning streak to 6 games while snapping Nebraska’s perfect 20-game start to the season. Both teams performed below their season scoring averages – Michigan typically puts up 90.8 points per game while Nebraska averages 80.5 – but the Wolverines’ defensive adjustments in the second half made the difference.
Game Statistics
The statistical battle told the story of Michigan’s methodical approach to ending Nebraska’s unbeaten run. While the Cornhuskers managed to keep pace offensively, key areas like rebounding and free-throw opportunities tilted heavily in Michigan’s favor.
| Category | Michigan Wolverines | Nebraska Cornhuskers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 75 | 72 |
| Total Rebounds | 35 | 23 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 8 | 5 |
| Points in the Paint | 38 | 32 |
| Free Throws Made/Attempted | 19/23 (82.6%) | 3/4 (75.0%) |
| Total Turnovers | 19 | 11 |
Star of the Game
Morez Johnson Jr. emerged as the clear difference-maker in this Big Ten clash:
- 17 points on incredible 5-of-6 shooting
- Game-high 12 rebounds that fueled Michigan’s interior dominance
- Anchored the paint defense that limited Nebraska’s second-chance opportunities
A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam is the news editor across all Saturday Football brands.