Michigan looks to rebound at home against Nebraska

Michigan comes in 10-8 overall, 4-4 in the conference. Michigan went to East Lansing in their last game, and found themselves only down four at halftime to Michigan State. They started out the 2nd half as bad you possibly can, scoring only three points in the first eight minutes. For the first time in a month, we again saw long stretches of three power forwards but mixed with not having a point guard in the game. Michigan completely collapsed in the 2nd half, ending a three game win streak. They face a “can’t lose” game when they host Nebraska, who they beat 102-67 in their first matchup.

Nebraska comes in 6-15 overall, 0-10 in conference. They have lost eight games in a row, and 13 of the last 14 games. Nebraska has not won a game against a high major opponent this season. Despite their record, they have played a lot better as a team. Their last three games have been decided by eight points or less and in their most recent game at Rutgers, they were winning by three with 2:43 left in the game. Nebraska is playing freely, understanding they do not have a chance for an at-large bid. They are just looking to get better and to hopefully make noise at the Big Ten Tournament.

Michigan vs Nebraska Stat Overview

Pace: Nebraska plays with the 8th fastest pace in the country, averaging 76 possessions per game. When Nebraska is on the road, they average 79.6 possession per game. No team plays faster in the country in road games, they are ranked 1st nationally. (Last Game vs Michigan: Nebraska had 78.8 possessions)

Team Defensive Efficiency: Nebraska is ranked 257th in the country in defensive efficiency. They allow on average 1.027 points per possession (ppp). (Last Game vs Michigan: Allowed 1.294 ppp)

Points Per Game: Even though they are one of the Top 10 fastest teams in the country, Nebraska only averages 72.3 points per game which ranks 160th in the country. (Last Game vs Michigan: 67 points)

3pt FG%: Nebraska is one of the worst shooting teams in the country, averaging 30% from deep which ranks 320th nationally. (Last Game vs Michigan: 14.3% on 5/35)

Rebounding: Nebraska is not a great rebounding team, averaging 34.3 rebounds per game which ranks 256th nationally. (Last Game vs Michigan: 38 rebounds)

Nebraska Main Personnel

#5 Bryce McGowens: McGowens is a 6’7″ 180 pound guard out of South Carolina. The former five star recruit is averaging 16.7 points and 5.5 rebounds on 40.1% shooting from the floor, and 28.3% from 3pt range. He has been very good in his last three games, averaging 24 points on 43% shooting from the floor, and 38.8% from 3pt. (Last Game vs Michigan: 8 points, 22% on 2/9 shooting, 6 rebounds)

#1 Alonzo Verge Jr: Verge is a 6’3″ 165 pound Arizona St transfer guard out of Chicago. He is averaging 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Verge wants to get to the paint and finish around the basket, get fouled. He only average 26.5% from 3pt range and shoots on one to two attempts per game. I am unsure of his playing status, he made the trip to Rutgers but was a “coach’s decision” why he did not play. (Last Game vs Michigan: 31 points on 57.1% shooting, eight rebounds, three assists)

Nebraska Secondary Personnel

#13 Derrick Walker: Walker is a 6’9″ 240 pound former Tennessee transfer big man out of Kansas City. He is averaging 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds on 68.3% shooting from the field. Walker has struggled in the last three games, averaging 5.3 points on 50% shooting and four rebounds. (Last Game vs Michigan: 1 point, four rebounds)

#2 Trey McGowens: McGowens is a 6’4″ 195 pound former Pitt transfer guard out of South Carolina. Trey has only played six games this year due to a foot injury that sidelined him for two months. In his last game he had his season high of 11 points, seven rebounds. (Last Game vs Michigan: Did not play due to injury)

Supporting Personnel

#0 CJ Wilcher: Wilcher is a 6’5″ 225 pound former Xavier transfer forward out of New Jersey. He averages 7.6 points on 36.8% shooting from 3pt. Wilcher is not the best athlete, his job is to come in the game and shoot 3’s. Wilcher has struggled in the last three games, averaging 4.3 points on 23.5% shooting from the floor and 30% from 3pt range. (Last Game vs Michigan: 2 points on 1/8 shooting, 0-5 from 3pt, 2 rebounds)

#30 Keisei Tominaga: Tominaga is a 6’2″ 180 pound guard out of Japan. He averages 7 points on 35.9% shooting from 3pt range. Tominaga has seen a heavy decrease in playing time and production once Trey McGowens returned from injury. In the last three games he is averaging 0.7 points on 16.6% shooting. (Last Game vs Michigan: 11 points on 28.5% shooting from the floor, 27.2% from 3pt)