Michigan (20-6) at Nebraska (17-10)
- When: Feb 24 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
Game Preview
Michigan Favored by 1, Total Set at 150.5
A pair of Big Ten teams looking to bounce back from disappointing losses meet on Monday night as No. 12 Michigan heads to Lincoln to take on Nebraska. With Michigan entering as a slight 1-point favorite and the total set at 150.5, this game is expected to be closely contested with plenty of offensive action.
The Wolverines are still very much in the conference title race, but their hopes took a hit after a 75-62 home loss to rival Michigan State on Friday. That loss dropped them half a game behind the Spartans in the Big Ten standings, making this a must-win game to stay in the hunt.
Meanwhile, Nebraska is battling for an NCAA Tournament berth and could bolster its resume with a Quad 1 win over Michigan. However, the Cornhuskers are coming off an ugly 89-72 road loss to Penn State, a game that raised concerns about their defensive struggles and consistency down the stretch.
Michigan Wolverines: Looking to Regain Momentum
Michigan had been riding a six-game winning streak before falling flat against Michigan State, struggling from the perimeter and allowing the Spartans to control the tempo. The Wolverines have one of the best frontcourts in college basketball, but their outside shooting slump has allowed teams to pack the paint and limit their big men’s effectiveness.
The Wolverines have relied heavily on their twin 7-footers, Danny Wolf (12.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG) and Vladislav Goldin (15.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG), but their production has been hindered by the lack of consistent perimeter shooting. Over the past six games, Michigan has shot just 30% from three (40-of-133), making it easier for defenses to focus on their dominant interior presence.
Head coach Dusty May remains confident, noting that Michigan has responded well to adversity all season, and he expects his team to come out focused in this crucial road test.
Michigan has been solid away from home, posting a 6-2 road record, but their three-point shooting must improve if they want to break out of this offensive funk and cover the spread against a Nebraska team that has been strong at home.
Key Betting Trends for Michigan:
Michigan is 5-2 ATS in its last seven road games
The Wolverines are 6-1 in their last seven games following a loss
Michigan has lost two straight meetings against Nebraska
Nebraska Cornhuskers: Fighting for Their Tournament Hopes
Nebraska still has an opportunity to solidify its NCAA Tournament resume, but their latest setback against Penn State was a major step in the wrong direction. The Cornhuskers were outplayed on both ends, giving up 89 points to one of the weaker teams in the conference, a performance that head coach Fred Hoiberg called unacceptable.
“We’re playing for something right now,” Hoiberg said. “We still have our goals in front of us, but we have to fix things in a hurry.”
One thing working in Nebraska’s favor is its home-court advantage. The Cornhuskers have been strong in Lincoln, going 10-3 at home this season. They also own recent success against Michigan, having won the last two meetings between these teams.
Nebraska features one of the top scorers in the Big Ten in Brice Williams (19.4 PPG), who will be a key factor if they want to keep pace with Michigan’s frontcourt duo. Juwan Gary (13.3 PPG) and Connor Essegian (10.8 PPG) round out a balanced offensive attack, but the key for Nebraska will be containing Michigan’s bigs while getting consistent perimeter shooting of their own.
Key Betting Trends for Nebraska:
Nebraska is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home games
The Cornhuskers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as an underdog
Nebraska is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games overall
Game Prediction & Best Bets
Both teams desperately need this win, but Michigan’s size advantage in the paint and ability to control the boards should give them the slight edge. However, Nebraska’s ability to keep things close at home makes this a tricky spot for Michigan, especially if their three-point shooting struggles continue.
While Michigan should win outright, Nebraska’s recent history in this matchup and home-court energy make them a live underdog. Expect a tight, back-and-forth contest, with Michigan narrowly escaping with a victory.
Best Bets:
Michigan -1 – The Wolverines have the size and defensive edge.
Over 150.5 – Both teams have struggled defensively in recent games.
Nebraska First Half +0.5 – The Cornhuskers should come out strong at home.
Final Score Prediction: Michigan 78, Nebraska 74
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
