Coach Dusty May: Michigan Prepares for Challenging Week vs. Nebraska, Michigan State
No. 3 Michigan men’s basketball team faces a demanding week ahead as it prepares for crucial matchups against No. 7 Nebraska and No. 10 Michigan State. Coach Dusty May highlighted the challenges during a press conference following the Wolverines’ 74-62 victory over Ohio State.
Upcoming Challenges for Michigan
The Wolverines will play Nebraska on January 27 and travel to face Michigan State on January 30. May stated, “We have a monster week coming up. Looking at the immediate future, Nebraska’s one of the best teams in the country.” The urgency is palpable as they look to maintain momentum.
Team Records and Rankings
- Nebraska:
- Overall Record: 19-0
- Big Ten Record: 8-0
- Michigan State:
- Overall Record: 17-2
- Big Ten Record: 7-1
- Michigan:
- Overall Record: 18-1
- Big Ten Record: 8-1
Nebraska holds impressive victories against teams like Illinois and Michigan State, while Michigan State has defeated notable foes including Arkansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina. With Michigan currently thriving in the Big Ten, they rank high in key statistical categories:
Michigan’s Statistical Domination
- Points per game: 91.7
- Field goal percentage: 51.7%
- Total rebounds per game: 42.3
- Opponent field goal percentage: 36.5%
Key Players to Watch
Several Wolverines have been instrumental in this season’s success:
- Yaxel Lendeborg: 14.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals
- Morez Johnson Jr.: 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 67.4% field goal shooting
- Aday Mara: 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks
- Elliot Cadeau: 10.5 points, 5 assists
- Nimari Burnett: 8.9 points, 49.1% shooting
Under May’s leadership, who previously coached Florida Atlantic to the NCAA Tournament, Michigan has recorded a commendable 45-11 overall record since his arrival. The past season ended with a Sweet 16 appearance.
Next Games Schedule
Michigan’s critical in-state rivalry game against Michigan State is on January 30 at 8 p.m. ET, televised on FOX and available on the FOX Sports app. This week is pivotal for all three teams, shaping the landscape of Big Ten basketball.
