Behind a double-double from Morez Johnson Jr. and clutch late-game execution, Michigan closed on a 6–0 run to edge Nebraska in a tense Big Ten battle at Crisler Center.
Michigan showed late-game poise and just enough composure at the free-throw line to escape with a 75–72 win over Nebraska in a tightly contested Big Ten battle.
The Wolverines trailed by two at halftime, 50–48, after struggling to get consistent stops in the opening 20 minutes. Nebraska shot 46% for the game and got balanced production from multiple scorers, led by Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort with 20 points apiece. Sam Hoiberg added 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists while playing nearly the entire game, helping the Cornhuskers control tempo for long stretches. The Huskers were hot in the first half, but water found its level during the second 20 minutes.
As Nebraska cooled off a bit, Michigan’s depth, rebounding, and late execution ultimately proved decisive.
Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. delivered one of the most impactful performances of his young career, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds to record a double-double. Johnson’s presence inside helped Michigan win the rebounding battle 35–23 and limited Nebraska to just seven offensive boards. His activity on both ends stabilized the Wolverines during key moments when the offense bogged down.
Michigan also received balanced scoring across the lineup. Aday Mara chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, Yaxel Lendeborg scored 10 points, and Nimari Burnett contributed nine points. Off the bench, Trey McKenney added 11 points despite an uneven shooting night, while Will Tschetter provided a valuable seven.
Elliot Cadeau’s stat line was a study in contrasts. The point guard finished with seven points and seven assists, but also committed eight turnovers. Still, his playmaking helped Michigan generate 15 assists on 25 made field goals, and he delivered several timely passes during the closing stretch. Overall, Michigan tallied 19 turnovers, which is far too many, especially against a 20-0 team playing well.
The turning point came over the final three minutes. Nebraska held a 72–69 lead after Lawrence finished a layup at the 3:21 mark. From there, the Cornhuskers went cold. Michigan closed the game on a 6–0 run, getting critical stops and converting opportunities at the free-throw line. The Wolverines attempted 23 free throws compared to Nebraska’s four, making 19 of them — a massive edge in a three-point game.
Michigan didn’t shoot the ball particularly well from deep (6-for-26 from three), but it compensated with toughness inside, second-chance points, and composure late. The Wolverines also generated 13 steals, creating just enough extra possessions to offset 19 turnovers of their own.
In a game that featured nine ties and multiple momentum swings, Michigan made the final, winning plays. It wasn’t always pretty, but gritty conference wins rarely are — and this one showed the Wolverines can win in different ways when it matters most.