LINCOLN, NE - The Michigan Wolverines narrowly triumphed over the Nebraska Cornhuskers with a score of 49-46 on February 24, 2025, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game was marked by poor shooting from both sides, resulting in one of the lowest-scoring games of the season.
Michigan, ranked No. 12, came off a disappointing loss to Michigan State and sought to reclaim its standing at the top of the Big Ten conference. The Wolverines managed to match Michigan State with their 13-3 record, but the Spartans currently hold the tiebreaker following their earlier win.
Despite the difficult offensive outing, Michigan relied heavily on their standout player, Danny Wolf, who consistently made plays when it mattered most. Late-game scoring from Wolf, including important free throws, helped to secure the victory. With his height and skills, Wolf proved difficult for the Cornhuskers to contain and finished as one of the game’s leading scorers.
On the other side, Nebraska, who has faced challenges this season, struggled significantly to find their rhythm. Brice Williams, leading the Cornhuskers with 19.4 points per game, was the sole bright spot for Nebraska, accounting for more than half of his team’s points. Williams displayed his scoring prowess, finishing the game with 26 points, but his teammates battled through shooting woes. Combined, Nebraska’s non-Williams players had little impact, shooting poorly from the field and failing to capitalize on key opportunities.
The first half saw both teams experiencing significant defensive pressure. Michigan led 25-21 at halftime, but neither side showcased their typical offensive capabilities. Nebraska went through prolonged scoring droughts, unable to convert enough baskets to build any substantial lead, which proved costly as they entered the second half.
Michigan's defensive strategy, aimed at preventing easy shots near the basket, was effective and contributed to Nebraska’s poor performance. The Cornhuskers, who are trying to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume, needed this game more than Michigan, but their inability to score consistently left them unable to catch up during the final minutes.
With both teams having aspirations for the postseason, each game becomes increasingly important as they navigate through the competitive Big Ten conference. Michigan’s resilience and ability to win, even on subpar shooting nights, reflect their higher ranking and hopes for the Big Ten title, whereas Nebraska needs to regroup quickly to maintain any playoff dreams.
Looking forward, Michigan continues its season with upcoming matches against Rutgers and Illinois, where they will aim to solidify their tournament position. For Nebraska, the loss adds pressure for their remaining games as they pursue NCAA Tournament eligibility.
The game served as both a wake-up call and reminder to Michigan: every win matters, especially against lower-ranked opponents. Further illustrating this point, Michigan must sharpen its offensive execution as they approach March Madness.