No. 3 Michigan handed No. 5 Nebraska its first loss in over a year, ending the nation’s longest active winning streak at 24 games with a dramatic 75-72 victory on a go-ahead layup in the final minute.
In a showdown that lived up to the hype, No. 3 Michigan delivered a statement victory, defeating No. 5 Nebraska 75-72 in Ann Arbor on Tuesday night. The win wasn’t just another notch on the belt for the Wolverines; it was the definitive end to one of the most impressive runs in recent college basketball history, snapping Nebraska’s 24-game winning streak.
For Nebraska, the loss was a stunning reversal of fortune. The Cornhuskers entered the game as one of the nation’s premier teams, riding a wave of momentum that began in the latter half of last season and carried through an undefeated start to 2026. This 24-game streak was the longest active streak in Division I and was the longest since the legendary 2014-15 Kentucky team went 38-0 before a Final Four loss. Nebraska’s previous defeat had come all the way back on March 9, 2025, against Iowa.
Michigan’s victory was a masterclass in resilience. The Wolverines trailed for a staggering 36-plus minutes, fighting from behind against a Nebraska team that looked unstoppable early on. The turning point came in the final 3:20 of the game, when Michigan’s suffocating defense clamped down, holding the Cornhuskers scoreless while securing the go-ahead and eventual game-winning points.
The game’s hero was Michigan guard Trey McKenney. Coming off the bench, McKenney scored 11 points, but none were bigger than the tiebreaking layup he converted with just 1:07 remaining. That basket gave the Wolverines a 73-72 lead they would not relinquish. Morez Johnson Jr. was a force inside, finishing with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds to anchor the Michigan frontcourt.
Nebraska’s offense, led by the explosive Jamarques Lawrence, was a sight to behold in the first half. Lawrence scored 16 of his team-high 20 points in the opening 10 minutes, seemingly unable to miss. He was joined by Pryce Sandfort, who also finished with 20 points. Guard Sam Hoiberg was a key playmaker, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. However, the Huskers’ offense went cold in the second half, connecting on only one of their 19 three-point attempts after the break, a dramatic fall from their 10-for-19 performance in the first.
The Huskers were also playing shorthanded, which added another layer to their defeat. Forward Rienk Mast, a critical piece of their rotation, was a late scratch due to illness after warming up. Forward Braden Frager also missed his second consecutive game with a sprained right ankle. The combination of injuries and Michigan’s defensive intensity proved to be too much to overcome in the final moments.
As the clock wound down, Nebraska had a chance to force overtime or win at the buzzer. Lawrence got a clean look from three, but it rimmed out. In the ensuing chaos, Sam Hoiberg heaved a desperation jumper that also missed, sealing the victory for Michigan and sending the Crisler Center into a frenzy. The final score of 75-72 was a testament to a game that was a back-and-forth battle until the very end.
Why This Game Matters: Implications for the Big Ten and Beyond
This victory is a massive statement for Michigan head coach Dusty May and the Wolverines. It proves they are not just a good team but a championship-caliber one capable of beating anyone on their home floor. The win solidifies Michigan’s position as a top contender in the ultra-competitive Big Ten and boosts their résumé significantly for the NCAA Tournament. Handling the pressure of ending a historic streak on national television is a experience that will pay dividends in March.
For Nebraska, the loss is a harsh but likely necessary reality check. While their 24-game run was extraordinary, it came against a schedule that was not as demanding as the one ahead. This defeat provides a valuable lesson and a clear target for improvement. The Huskers’ path forward is clear: they must now regroup and show they can respond to adversity, a true test of a team’s championship mettle.
The implications for the Big Ten race are seismic. With both teams now at 9-1 in conference play, the race for the conference title has become a three-way battle, likely involving Michigan, Nebraska, and Purdue. This game has added a layer of unpredictability, with every matchup now carrying even more weight. The Wolverines will carry this momentum into their rivalry game against No. 7 Michigan State on Friday, while the Huskers return home to host No. 9 Illinois, looking to bounce back immediately.
Fans across the country were treated to a classic that showcased the best of college basketball—a historic streak, a dramatic finish, and the kind of intensity that defines the sport. As the season progresses, this game will be remembered as the moment the balance of power in the Big Ten shifted, and the race for a national title became wide open.
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