"[Nebraska] earned the right to be a potential No. 1 seed and Big Ten champion," U-M's Dusty May said. "It's on us to take care of business at home.”
It has been nearly five years since Michigan basketball found itself in this type of matchup.
The No. 2 Wolverines (18-1, 8-1 Big Ten) host No. 5 Nebraska (20-0, 9-0) in a top-five showdown on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Crisler Center. The last time U-M participated in a top-five matchup was March 2, 2021, when No. 2 U-M fell to No. 4 Illinois, 76-53, in Ann Arbor.
Fred Hoiberg is on the short list for Coach of the Year, having brought a team some felt would make the NCAA Tournament in the preseason into one that could be a 1-seed.
“Nebraska is good at a lot of things, so we're going to have to play really well,” Michigan coach Dusty May said in a video call Monday. “They're one of the best teams in the country for a reason. Some of the polls have them No. 2. Some of the metrics have them top five. They've earned the right to be a potential No. 1 seed and Big Ten champion.
"It's on us to take care of business at home.”
How Nebraska is still unbeaten
Nebraska is one of three remaining undefeated teams in Division 1 along with Arizona and Miami (Ohio), and have been tested.
The Huskers grinded out a 58-56 win over Michigan State. They won an 83-80 battle on the road at Illinois. They mounted a 16-point second-half comeback at Assembly Hall against Indiana. Most recently, they overcame a six-point halftime deficit with a 46-21 domination in the final 20 minutes to mash Minnesota, 76-57.
Nebraska is ranked No. 2 in defensive efficiency and No. 4 on offense in Big Ten play. It's No. 1 in free throw shooting (81.6%), 3-point shooting (38.5%), No. 2 in turnover rate (12.1%) and No. 4 in 2-point shooting (58.6%).
On defense, the Huskers are No. 2 in forcing turnovers (18.8%), No. 3 in effective field goal percentage (49.2%), No. 4 in opponent offensive rebounding rate (26.3%) and No. 5 in 2-point defense (51.3%). A team that shoots well, forces turnovers and limits opponents' offensive possessions is a solid recipe to compete in just about any game.
"We couldn't have more respect for their players, their age, their experience, they're just all about winning, and so it's going to be a challenge," May said. "You see how explosive they've been in the second half of games. It's incredibly impressive to see how they come out with a different gear almost every game in the second half, especially the games that are that are really competitive in the first half."
The Huskers are led by 6-foot-7 wing Pryce Sandfort, an Iowa transfer, at 17.3 points per game. Fifth-year senior center Rienk Mast is next (14.6) and fits the mold of a stretch five who has given U-M problems this season, shooting 33.7% on more than five 3-point attempts per game.
It's unclear if Braden Frager − who sprained his ankle against Washington and missed the Minnesota game − will be able to suit up. The 6-foot-7 freshman from Lincoln scores 12.4 points per game.
There's also Jamarques Lawrence, who began his career with the Huskers, transferred to Rhode Island and is now back with Hoiberg's squad, and former UCLA big man Berke Buyuktuncel. Hoiberg's son, Sam, runs the team, a 6-foot senior guard who averages nine points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
"I think a big portion of their success should be attributed to Sam Hoiberg," May said. "He does as many invisible and intangible plays as anyone in our league. And he obviously brings a lot of winning qualities and a team-first mindset. I could go on and on.
"They're fun to watch. They're fun to scout. Like I said, they're as disciplined, as well coached as anyone in our conference."
Michigan is playing well, too. The Wolverines have won four consecutive games by double figures − including two on a road trip to the Pacific Northwest − after their first semi-concerning week of the year, when they beat lowly Penn State by two before falling at home to Wisconsin by three.
Yaxel Lendeborg said the team was "10 out of 10" excited for this week, which also includes a matchup with No. 8 MSU.
"You're competing against teams that are tied with you or above you in the standings," May said. "If you want to be going through a conference season where you have to hope certain teams drop this game and drop that game and whatnot, then don't take care of business on Tuesday."
Michigan vs Nebraska basketball prediction
The Huskers are undefeated this year, but they've had plenty of close calls. A tight win over Michigan State on a day MSU didn't play its best. A win in Bloomington that required a furious comeback. Squeaking by Ohio State by three points on the road earlier this month. As Michigan learned a few weeks back, no team is invincible and despite its perfect start, the Huskers will lose eventually. This could be that spot − a road game against a team with more natural talent that knows this week will go a long way in determining both the league title and the 1-seed line in March. Lendeborg scores at least 20 for the first time since mid-December, when he had a season-high 29 against Maryland, to lead the way. The pick: Michigan 81, Nebraska 75.
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Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan vs Nebraska basketball prediction, keys to the game
Category: General Sports
