Michigan Overcomes Late Deficit To Topple No. 5 Nebraska In Instant Classic
Overview Michigan Nebraska Basketball Game
In a game that felt more like a Final Four showdown than a late-January conference clash, the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines proved exactly why they are a national title favorite. On Tuesday night, January 27, 2026, the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor played host to a heavyweight bout that lived up to every bit of the hype, as Michigan gutted out a 75-72 victory over the No. 5 Nebraska Cornhuskers.
This wasn't just another win on the schedule; it was a statement. By handing Nebraska their first loss of the season and snapping a historic 24-game winning streak, the Wolverines have officially blown the Big Ten title race wide open.
A Tale of Two Halves: Nebraska’s Early Dominance
From the opening tip, it seemed as though Nebraska was prepared to maintain their perfect season. Despite being shorthanded—missing two of their top three scorers due to injury—the Cornhuskers came out firing. Nebraska’s offense was a masterclass in efficiency during the first half, shredding Michigan’s perimeter defense to build a rhythm early.
Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort took over the scoring load, silencing the Ann Arbor crowd with a barrage of contested jumpers and transition buckets. Nebraska headed into the locker room at halftime with a 50-48 lead, but the momentum felt even more heavily in their favor. At one point, the Wolverines trailed by as many as 11 points, and for over 36 minutes of game time, it looked as though Nebraska’s streak would reach 25.
The Defensive Wall: Michigan’s Late-Game Resilience
If the first half belonged to the shooters, the second half belonged to the grinders. Michigan head coach Dusty May clearly made adjustments at the break, challenging his team to increase their physicality.
The turnaround was most evident in the final minutes. Nebraska, which had been scoring at will for much of the night, suddenly found itself trapped in a maize-and-blue vice. The Wolverines’ defense was suffocating, holding the Cornhuskers scoreless for the final 3:15 of the contest.
This defensive stand allowed Michigan to chip away at the lead. While Nebraska struggled to find a clean look, Michigan relied on the veteran poise of their leaders to navigate the pressure of a late-game situation.
Trey McKenney And Morez Johnson Jr. Lead The Charge
Individual heroics are required to win games of this magnitude, and Michigan had them in spades.
Morez Johnson Jr. was the anchor for the Wolverines. Finishing with a powerhouse double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, Johnson controlled the paint and provided the emotional spark Michigan needed during their second-half comeback. His ability to secure second-chance opportunities proved vital in a game decided by just three points.
However, the moment of the night belonged to Trey McKenney. With the clock winding down and the pressure mounting, McKenney drove to the basket for a clutch layup with just 1:07 remaining. The bucket gave Michigan its first lead since the opening minutes of the game—a lead they would not relinquish.
For Nebraska, the effort was valiant but ultimately fell short. Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort both finished with 20 points, but without their full supporting cast, the Cornhuskers ran out of gas in the final stretch.
Big Ten Standings: A Three-Way Tie At The Top
The implications of this game reach far beyond a single win or loss. With this victory, Michigan moves to 19-1 overall and 9-1 in the Big Ten.
This result creates a fascinating logjam at the top of the conference standings. As of late January 2026, Michigan, Nebraska, and Michigan State are now all tied for the Big Ten lead. For the Wolverines, this win serves as a massive confidence booster as they enter the most difficult stretch of their schedule.
What’s Next For The Wolverines?
There is no time for Michigan to celebrate this victory for long. The college basketball world will turn its eyes back to Ann Arbor this Friday, as the Wolverines prepare for an in-state rivalry showdown against No. 7 Michigan State.
With the conference lead on the line and the rivalry intensity at an all-time high, the stakes couldn't be higher. If Michigan can replicate the defensive intensity they showed in the closing minutes against Nebraska, they will be a very difficult team to beat.
Final Thoughts: Is Michigan The Team To Beat?
Tuesday night’s win was a testament to Michigan's "never-say-die" attitude. Winning a game where you trail for 36 minutes requires more than just talent; it requires chemistry, conditioning, and mental toughness.
By snapping Nebraska’s 24-game streak, Michigan hasn't just improved their ranking—they've sent a warning to the rest of the country. As the calendar turns toward February and March Madness looms on the horizon, the Wolverines are peaking at exactly the right time.
Stay tuned for more Michigan Basketball updates and follow the Official Michigan Athletics Site for tickets and full season stats.
Game Quick Stats:
Final Score: Michigan 75, Nebraska 72
Leading Scorer (UM): Morez Johnson Jr. (17 PTS)
Leading Scorer (NEB): Jamarques Lawrence And Pryce Sandfort (20 PTS each)
Key Stat: Nebraska scoreless for the final 3:15 of the game.
Records: Michigan (19-1, 9-1 B1G), Nebraska (24-1, 9-1 B1G).