No. 5 Nebraska’s 24-Game Win Streak Ends with Close Loss to No. 3 Michigan

In a highly competitive game, the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ remarkable 24-game winning streak came to an end with a narrow 75-72 defeat against the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines. The match took place at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, marking a significant moment for both teams.

Nebraska’s Win Streak Overview

Ranked No. 5, the Cornhuskers had a historic season, achieving a 20-1 start, the best in the program’s history. This impressive run included winning the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament last April in Las Vegas, contributing to their winning stretch that is the longest in Division I basketball since Gonzaga’s 35-game streak from 2019 to 2021.

• Previous Loss: Nebraska’s last loss was on March 9, 2023, against Iowa.
• Winning Streak: The streak lasted 24 games.
• Next Opponent: Nebraska will host No. 9 Illinois on Sunday.

Key Players and Injuries

During the game against Michigan, Nebraska was without key players, including Rienk Mast, who missed the match due to illness, and Braden Frager, who sat out for the second consecutive game with an ankle injury. Despite these setbacks, the team led for the majority of the game but struggled with scoring towards the end.

Coaching Perspective

Head coach Fred Hoiberg expressed pride in his team’s effort, highlighting their resilience despite the pressure in the closing minutes. He emphasized the importance of the experience, stating, “We can compete with anybody.” The loss, while disappointing, served as a pivotal moment for the team, providing insight into their potential for growth.

Historic Context

Nebraska’s basketball program has historically faced challenges, never winning an NCAA Tournament game and having minimal success in its conference for over decades. The team’s recent performance reflects a significant turning point, especially under Hoiberg’s leadership since 2019.

• History of Championships: Nebraska’s last regular-season conference title was in 1950.
• Oldest Winning Record: The program has only achieved a winning conference record three times in 14 seasons in the Big Ten.

Future Outlook

As Nebraska prepares for upcoming games, the possibility of clinching a conference title remains within reach alongside an opportunity to end their NCAA Tournament drought. Coach Hoiberg and his players are determined to bounce back and build on their notable achievements this season.

Fans will continue to watch the Huskers as they aim to transform their promising season into a memorable chapter in Nebraska basketball history.