Halftime Analysis: Michigan at Nebraska

Halftime breakdown of Michigan’s road trip to Nebraska as the midway point of the Big Ten Conference schedule draws near for the Wolverines.

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Having lost four consecutive games, Michigan looks to get back in the win column tonight with a road game at Nebraska.

The Wolverines (11-8 overall, 2-6 Big Ten) are currently 0-5 in true road games this season, and desperately need to end that drought tonight to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

The Cornhuskers (7-13, 2-7) have struggled throughout the season, and despite this being a road game, it’s one Michigan must win if it wants to play meaningful games in March.

The Wolverines are without starting point guard Zavier Simpson tonight, who was suspended for a violation of team rules. David DeJulius started in Simpson’s place.

After a back-and-forth first half, the Wolverines took a 40-35 lead into their locker room.

POSITIVES:

  • After being limited to just 5 assists as a team against Illinois, Michigan got the ball moving in the first half against the Cornhuskers. The Wolverines had 8 assists as a team in the first 20 minutes, led by Eli Brooks and Jon Teske who each had 3 assists.
  • The result of the improved ball movement was a balanced scoring sheet for Michigan. Eli Brooks led the Wolverines in points with 9, while Brandon Johns Jr. had 8. Franz Wagner had 6 points in the first half, while Jon Teske and Colin Castleton each added 5 points.

NEGATIVES:

  • Michigan has not played well defensively in recent weeks and the Wolverines got off to a poor start on that end in this game as well. Nebraska got several easy baskets in the first half against a lethargic Michigan defense, and at one point were shooting nearly 65 percent from the floor. Michigan improved their defense somewhat to close the half, but the Cornhuskers still finished the half shooting 48 percent from the floor, and 45 percent from three-point range. The Wolverines need to play better at that end of the floor in the second half.
  • The three-ball is still not falling at a consistent rate for Michigan. The Wolverines shot just 30 percent from deep in the first half. However, it was good to see Brooks knock down half of his looks out there, as he went 3-of-6 from outside.