Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from ugly win over Nebraska

Feb 1, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard reacts to a call in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard reacts to a call in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Down late, Michigan basketball furiously fought back to sweep the season series with a pesky Nebraska bunch that played better than anticipated.

The Wolverines almost gave away a gimme win that would have crushed their resume when it comes to their March madness intentions. They didn’t shoot it particularly well or play good enough defense, but when it was gut-check time, they won. They are now 5-4 in the Big Ten and have a lot of quad one opportunities that will make or break their shaky tournament chances.

Here are three takeaways from Michigan basketball’s win.

1. Bryce McGowens is a better freshman than Houstan and Diabate

Who would have ever said or thought that this was a statement that would resonate as it has this far into the season? McGowens was masterful in this one. He netted 24 points and is actually averaging 24 a game in Nebraska’s last four losses. 16 of 21 times this year he has scored more than double digits.

The future for Nebraska basketball doesn’t look to be very sunny, but his is certainly much brighter. As for the Cornhuskers, they haven’t won since December and haven’t had a winning streak since November. They seem to be getting closer to erasing the goose egg that defines them in the win column of the Big Ten standings.

Houstan and Diabate combined for 12 points. Their inconsistency is nerve-racking and proves that they are nowhere ready for the NBA. They were clearly outplayed by McGowens, as well as his fellow teammates Eli Brooks and DeVante’ Jones, who along with Hunter Dickinson, carried the load tonight.