Michigan vs Nebraska prediction, keys to game in top-5 Big Ten clash

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.

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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.

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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.

Michigan guard Nimari Burnett is defended by Nebraska forward Rienk Mast (51) and guard Brice Williams (3) during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on March 10, 2024.

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…

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Publish date : 2026-01-27 10:09:00

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