Michigan Basketball: Gut reactions from blowout win at Nebraska

It took a little while, but the Michigan basketball team is starting to look like a team that can contend for a Big Ten title.

Spacing has been an issue for Michigan basketball this season. At least it was until last Saturday’s win against San Diego State.

The Wolverines got hot from 3-point range against the Aztecs and that hot streak continued Tuesday night in Nebraska, with 15 made triples in a 102-67 win.

Michigan basketball was without Moussa Diabate and in his place, started Brandon Johns, who wound up leading the Wolverines in scoring with 20 points and five boards. Hunter Dickinson also drilled a trey and scored 15, while grabbing 12 boards.

Caleb Houstan continued to look more at home in college basketball and made four 3-pointers of his own, as the Wolverines starting lineup made 10 total from deep.

With Johns, it always seems to be a good day when he knocks down a triple and he made one early, which set the stage for a dominant performance.

Eli Brooks didn’t shoot the ball super well from three but he hit twice from deep and Terrance Williams was 3-for-3 off the bench. Even Zeb Jackson hit from 3-point range.

U-M also dominated on the boards (54-48) and out-assisted Nebraska 25-6. Ball movement was a staple of Michigan’s offense last season and Tuesday was the best example of it yet this season with 25 of the 39 made buckets coming off an assist. That’s nearly 2/3.

Here are gut reactions from Michigan basketball’s win

Gut Reactions

• Hunter Dickinson is back on track. He’s engaged on both ends and he can shoot.
• Caleb Houstan has lost the deer-in-headlights look for good it seems.
• That’s the Brandon Johns we’ve been waiting for.
• Johns isn’t going to score 20 every night but when he plays with energy, he’s a quality player.
• I was surprised Frankie Collins didn’t start.
• DeVante Jones responded with one of his best games. He had only five points but notched eight assists, three steals, and had just one turnover.
• Zeb Jackson can help this team once he’s healthy and in basketball shape.
• Michigan’s defense is back on track — Nebraska was 5-for-35 from deep.
• Juwan Howard’s team weathered the early storm.
• Michigan looked like Michigan. Again.
• Go Blue!