Nebraska might have led for most of the game, but the final score is the only thing that matters, and Michigan basketball came out on top (75-72).
The Huskers were undefeated as they came into Ann Arbor for a top-5 showdown. Early on, despite missing two of their best players, Rienk Mast and Braden Frager, Nebraska was on fire.
The Huskers drilled 10 3-pointers in the first half as they built an 11-point lead. Eventually, the lead was cut down to 50-48 at the half. In the second, both teams struggled to score. Nebraska didn't score in the last three minutes and change as the Wolverines outscored them 27-22 to win the game.
A key hoop from Trey McKenney gave the Wolverines their first lead since 3-2, with 1:03 left to play. From there, defense, rebounding, and some free throws wrapped up the 19th win of the season. Morez Johnson paced Michigan with 17 points. McKenney added 11 off the bench. Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara finished with 10 each.
Michigan basketball got a much-needed win in Big Ten title race
The Wolverines held Nebraska scoreless over the last three minutes. More importantly, the Huskers made just one triple in the final 20 minutes.
A loss would have put Michigan two games behind Nebraska and behind the 8-ball in the Big Ten race. Now, the Wolverines are tied for first place in the Big Ten, along with Illinois, Michigan State, and Nebraska. They each have one loss.
The Wolverines travel to East Lansing for the first of two games against the Spartans. The winner of that game will remain in first place, but thanks to the win over Nebraska, Michigan has more margin for error, meaning Friday night's game isn't a must win.