The Big Ten had three interesting games on the docket on Tuesday night, highlighted by a massive game between Michigan and Nebraska in Ann Arbor. It was a rare top five regular season meeting.
Let’s take a look at what happened.
Game of the Night:
–No. 3 Michigan Wolverines 75, No. 5 Nebraska Cornhuskers 72
This was a massive one in Ann Arbor. Both teams were not only ranked in the top five nationally, but entered the night with a 38-1 combined record. The Huskers also had the nation’s longest winning streak, stretching all the way back to last season’s postseason run. Add in that the two sat atop the conference standings and it was about everything you could ask for in a January college basketball game.
The game itself also lived up to the hype. While both teams came out of the gates swinging, Nebraska’s perimeter shooting really hit the ground running. Jamarques Lawrence went ballistic from three early and Pryce Sandfort scored 20 points on the evening as well. By the 10:19 mark of the first half, Nebraska had stretched its lead to 11 points and seemed destined to continue its magical season.
However, things changed in the second half, as both teams clamped down on defense and Michigan began a gradual and steady comeback. Morez Johnson was the key piece in that push, as the big man finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds on the night. Michigan also consistently got to the free throw line against an undersized Husker squad, finishing the evening with 19 points from the charity stripe. It was eventually just enough for Michigan to earn a three-point win at home and end Nebraska’s undefeated campaign.
For Michigan, this was clearly a massive win. Beating any top five opponent is a worthy accomplishment, but doing it against an undefeated squad that led the conference standings is even better. Michigan’s status had also faded somewhat since the first two months of the season, as the team struggled to put away opponents like Penn State and fell to Wisconsin. As a result, many had started doubting the Wolverines. However, a win like this will certainly change the narrative. In fact, Michigan now has two of the better wins of anyone in college basketball, with victories over Gonzaga and Nebraska. Those squads are a combined 41-0 against anyone not named Michigan.
On the other side, Nebraska fans will be disappointed in this one. Not because the team didn’t play well. In fact, the Huskers played extraordinarily well given they were without Braden Frager and Rienk Mast. Losing a tight one on the road to a team like Michigan without two key players is nothing to be ashamed about. However, given how close the Huskers were to pulling it off, it has to be tough to stomach. The good news is Nebraska remains tied atop the Big Ten standings and is still on pace for an incredible season.
Michigan improved to 19-1 overall and 9-1 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska fell to 20-1 overall and 9-1 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Wolverines will now prepare for rival Michigan State on the road on Friday night. The Huskers will get Illinois at home on Sunday.
The Rest:
–Indiana Hoosiers 72, No. 12 Purdue Boilermakers 67
This is typically one of the better regular season games of the season and it certainly lived up to the billing this time around, as the two in-state rivals tangled in Bloomington. Fortunately for Hoosier fans, Lamar Wilkerson came to play, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Nick Dorn also had a nice showing with 18 points. Purdue’s offense struggled for consistency all night, finishing with just 1.09 points per possession.
Indiana improved to 14-7 overall and 5-5 in Big Ten play with the win, while Purdue fell to 17-4 overall and 7-3 in Big Ten play with the loss. It was easily Indiana’s best win of the season to date and has fans hoping it can ignite something much bigger as the calendar rolls into February. The Hoosiers will return to action on Saturday on the road against UCLA. The Boilers will now prepare for Maryland on the road on Sunday.
–No. 7 Michigan State Spartans 88, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 79 (OT)
This was nearly a disaster for the Spartans. Despite a top 10 ranking and projections that made Michigan State an overwhelming favorite in this one, the team suddenly found itself on the verge of a painful loss on Tuesday night. Fortunately for Spartan fans, Michigan State made just enough looks in regulation to force overtime and then pulled away in the extra session. Jeremy Fears was the star of the show, finishing with 29 points and nine assists. Coen Carr also had 13 points and eight rebounds. Scarlet Knight fans have to be crushed with the result, as the team seemed to be in position to win before blowing it.
Michigan State improved to 19-2 overall and 9-1 in Big Ten play with the win, while Rutgers fell to 9-12 overall and 2-8 in Big Ten play with the loss. The Spartans will now prepare for arch-rival Michigan at home on Friday night. The Scarlet Knights will try and bounce back against USC on the road on Saturday.
