How Michigan slowed down Nebraska guard Brice Williams after big first half

No. 15 Michigan men’s basketball escaped Nebraska with a 49-46 victory Monday in a game it would likely rather forget. Neither team reached 30 percent from the field, and each team shot less than 70 percent from the free throw line. Even so, it was another notch in the win column for the Wolverines.

Dusty May speaks on defensive adjustments against Nebraska

Michigan had to immediately take note of Nebraska guard Brice Williams, as he recorded 18 points in the first 20 minutes of the game, including four 3’s. The Wolverines were able to hold him to just eight points in the second half on 2-of-8 from the field. 

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After the game Monday, May said his team had to adjust after Williams got hot.

“For the most part we tried to deny his catches and push him off his spots more,” May said. “Because we weren’t in foul trouble until late, we were able to do that. He does a good job of getting tangled up and getting those foul calls.

“Our bigs were higher than they typically are on the screens, and we put two on the ball and risked those other guys banging in shots.”

Although the Wolverines were outscored 25-24 in the second half, it could’ve been worse if they didn’t hinder Williams.

Michigan is tied for first in the Big Ten with No. 8 Michigan State, and it gets another chance at the Spartans to end the regular season on March 9. Next up, the Wolverines host Rutgers on Thursday (Feb. 27). 

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