No. 3 Michigan rallies to hand No. 5 Nebraska first loss

Wolverines overcome 20-point performances from Cornhuskers' Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:31am

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No. 3 Michigan came from behind to defeat No. 5 Nebraska 75-72 on Tuesday night in Ann Arbor, handing the Cornhuskers their first loss of the season. The Wolverines trailed for more than 36 minutes but took the lead for good on a layup by Trey McKenney with 1:07 remaining. Morez Johnson Jr. led Michigan with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort each scored 20 points for Nebraska, whose 24-game winning streak was snapped.

Why it matters

This was a matchup of two of the top teams in the Big Ten, with the Wolverines handing the previously undefeated Cornhuskers their first loss of the season. The win keeps Michigan in the hunt for the Big Ten title, while Nebraska's long winning streak comes to an end.

The details

Michigan shot just 25% in the second half but made 14 of 27 free throws to rally for the victory. The Wolverines trailed by as many as 11 points in the second half before taking the lead late. Nebraska shot 32.3% in the second half and missed its final 11 3-point attempts.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, January 28, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The players

Trey McKenney

A freshman for Michigan who made the go-ahead layup with 1:07 remaining to give the Wolverines the lead for good.

Morez Johnson Jr.

Led Michigan with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Jamarques Lawrence

Scored 20 points for Nebraska, which had its 24-game winning streak snapped.

Pryce Sandfort

Also scored 20 points for Nebraska in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and talent of both Michigan and Nebraska, with the Wolverines ultimately prevailing in a close contest. The loss ends Nebraska's impressive winning streak but the Cornhuskers will look to bounce back as they continue their pursuit of a Big Ten title.