Michigan Basketball gets shot at revenge against Nebraska

After beating Iowa in overtime Thursday at the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan basketball moves into the quarterfinals against Nebraska.

When it gets to tournament play, sometimes the hardest win to get is the first. That certainly seemed like the case for Michigan basketball against Iowa Wednesday in the Big Ten Tournament.

Michigan basketball eventually knocked off the Hawkeyes 77-71 to win their fifth straight Big Ten tourney game, but it wasn’t without a fight. Iowa hit a 3-pointer in the final 30 seconds to send it to overtime. And without the services of Moe Wagner, who was in foul trouble all game, the Wolverines found a way.

Survive and advance. That’s what tournament basketball is all about. Now, comes the next test, Nebraska.

The 20-point loss to Nebraska, 72-52, was easily the Wolverines worst game of the season. The team was flat that night and a hungrier Cornhuskers squad trampled Michigan. It was the only double-digit loss in Big Ten play all season for UM.

Certainly, the Wolverines would be plenty motivated for the Big Ten quarterfinals, regardless of the opponent. But you have to figure they are jumping at the chance to score a little revenge on the Huskers.

In doing so, Michigan basketball could also improve its standing in the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines were projected as a five seed Thursday by ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and a win over Nebraska could boost the resume even more.

At the very least, with a win over the Huskers, it’s hard to see Michigan dropping past a five or six seed on selection Sunday. Of course, a win over Nebraska could set up a rematch with Michigan State in the semis on Saturday, but first things first.

As far as the Huskers are concerned, this is a must-win game. Nebraska was probably watching Michigan and Iowa in overtime and praying for the Wolverines to win. Had Iowa been victorious, Nebraska would have missed a chance to score a quality win, on a neutral floor, which it desperately needs to make the March Madness field.

Right now, Nebraska is the third team listed among the first four out. A win over the Wolverines could change that. Two wins, over Michigan and Michigan State would get the Huskers into the field of 68, but that’s a tall order.

Michigan, which had Wagner, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Duncan Robinson all in foul trouble Thursday, will be ready. And if Wagner can stay on the floor, it could spell trouble for the Huskers.

Michigan basketball comes in with six straight wins, while Nebraska has won eight of its last nine games. It’s an important game that features two of the hottest teams in the Big Ten. In other words, get your popcorn ready.

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However, if the Huskers are going to beat the Wolverines again, they will need to be at their absolute best. Michigan basketball should be out for revenge and after surviving one day, hopefully it can hit on all cylinders and get some payback for that 20-point embarrassment.