The Michigan Wolverines (17-7, 7-4) look to rebound from a decisive loss at Michigan State, when they hit the road, again, on Wednesday night. This trip will be to the farthest reaches of Big Ten Country – Lincoln, Nebraska – for a matchup with the Cornhuskers (11-11, 3-8). Tip is slated for 8:30pm (EST) and the game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Nebraska is led by senior guard Bo Spencer (15.5 ppg and 3.5 apg). They are 8-6 at home, including a 70-69 victory over Indiana back in January.
Michigan is about to complete a hellacious stretch of their schedule with this road trip to Nebraska. This game will be their 6th roadie out of their last 8 games. A win would push their record to 4-4 during that span, with two road wins (at Purdue being the other). When they return home from Lincoln, they will play 3 of their next 4 games at home where they are 13-0 this season.
The game at Michigan State was disappointing, but it is over and it’s time for the Wolverines to start cranking out a winning streak. In order for that to happen they are going to have to get Tim Hardaway Jr. loose. The talented sophomore has struggled during the last 7 games, highlighted by knocking down just 7-of-40 three-pointers (17.5%). He appeared to be on the verge of breaking out after scoring 19 and 15 in games at Purdue and Ohio State, but he scuffled in the next two games – Indiana and at MSU – to the tune of 5-of-24 from the field and 2-of-13 from deep. Could the Huskers be just the medicine TH2 needs? I think so, and that will kick the Wolverines into high gear as they head down the home stretch.
Evan Smotrycz showed signs of life scoring 7 points and pulling down 4 boards in 12 minutes at Michigan State. The move to the bench has not been a seamless transition for the big fella, but like Hardaway Jr., I think he will turn the corner this week.
What to expect: We’re not exactly sure. Michigan hasn’t played Nebraska since 1992 and they haven’t played in Lincoln since 1964. The Huskers have played tough this year and have lost close games to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. One thing Nebraska doesn’t have, that weighs heavily in Michigan’s favor, is a low post presence. The Wolverines have struggled against teams with solid post players and the Huskers don’t have anybody in that mold. Playing against Michigan and their precise offense, won’t be an easy task for Nebraska. This will also be the first time the Huskers have encountered Zack Novak, also known as the Chuck Norris of Michigan Basketball, and there is simply no way to prepare for or understand what that entails on your first go around.
Notes
- Zack Novak is 6 points away from becoming Michigan’s 45th 1000 point scorer.
- After each of their previous 6 losses, U-M has responded with a win.
Predictions: I am 17-7 and Joe is 16-8 predicting the outcome of Michigan’s games. We both like Michigan to pick up a gritty win on Wednesday night.
Joe: Michigan 64-58
Rob: Michigan 67-56
You can connect with us on Twitter @isportsRob and @isportsJoe
About Rob White