Nebrasketball: No. 25 Michigan Downs Huskers 82-58

Nebraska Cornhuskers at No. 25 Michigan Wolverines

Before the game even tipped off, Nebraska fans had cause for concern as it was announced that Cam Mack was suspended from the game for “a violation of team rules”.

Not quite four minutes into the first half and our Huskers found themselves trailing 11-2, and Coach Hoiberg called a timeout with 16:36 to go. Over the next five minutes of game play Nebraska managed to climb back into it by the tv timeout with 5:54 left.

The Huskers cut the lead to 23-22 with Thor leading the team during this stretch with five points. Coming out of the media timeout, Nebraska missed shots and committed five turnovers while Michigan went on a 6-0 run. The Wolverines Brandon Johns Jr. hit a three to get to stretch it out to a nine point run and leave Michigan at 32 for the half, but just before the buzzer Dachon Burke drove the lane and picked up a foul. He hit his free throws to end the Husker drought and leave the score 32-28 at half.

Our beloved Huskers had 12 turnovers in the first half. Michigan scored 12 of their points off of them. However, Nebraska also went 5-for-6 at the free throw line in the first half, show 50% from three, and went 10-for-27 overall from the floor.

As for the second half, Nebraska started it doing what they did in the first - turning the ball over. Michigan outscored the Huskers 14-4 to drive their largest lead, 46-32, at the under 16 timeout. From there it only got worse as Michigan ran away with it and Nebraska shot a miserable 1-for-7 from three and 11-for-31 overall. They also committed another ten turnovers in the half. The good news, though? Nebraska won the rebounding battle offensive 9-8, defensively 31-30, and had 8 steals. The best news of the game? Nebraska shot 80% from the free throw line, going 12-for-15! So at least we made our free throws!!!

As for individual accolades, every player on the roster scored at least one and grabbed at least one board. Thorir Thorbjarnarson led the team in rebounds with seven, while scoring nine points, grabbing two steals, netting one assist, and committing a team high seven turnovers. Haanif Cheatham led the Huskers with 19 points and had three steals. Dachon Burke Jr. was second in scoring with 16 points and also grabbed three steals. Jervay Green only scored two, but had a team high four assists and grabbed six rebounds.

Nebraska closes the regular season on Sunday at Minnesota at 12 pm central time on BTN.

Oh, and you might have missed this, but during game play Zavier Simpson hit a patch of ice with the ball but the refs let it slide and didn’t call him for a travel.