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Michigan basketball downs Nebraska, moves to 2nd place in Big Ten

The Wolverines are tied for 2nd place in the Big Ten after tonight’s victory over Nebraska.

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Feb 8, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) dribbles defended by Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Keisei Tominaga (30) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

ANN ARBOR, MI. — On Wednesday night, the Michigan basketball team (14-10, 8-5 Big Ten) took down the Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-14, 4-10 Big Ten) at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The victory is enormous for the Wolverines, who look to add another Quad 1 win this Saturday against the 18th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.

Michigan is now four games above .500 on the season and has won three-straight games for the first time since November of last year. Additionally, Michigan basketball is now tied with Rutgers and Indiana for 2nd place in the Big Ten standings with an 8-5 conference record.

Michigan basketball starts off hot

After winning the game’s opening tip, Michigan basketball got off to a hot start behind a long jumper from Dug McDaniel. Nebraska responded with a 3-pointer on the following possession, though that momentum was short-lived after the Wolverines buried a 3-ball of their own on the next possession.

After exchanging defensive possessions, Terrence Williams drained another Michigan 3-pointer, giving the Wolverines an 8-7 lead. Jett Howard drilled a 3-ball on Michigan’s next possession, giving the Wolverines a four-point lead. Just like that, a fast-paced Big Ten matchup was underway.

The Wolverines and Cornhuskers exchanged offensive blows for a while before Michigan’s Terrence Williams scored his third basket of the game, followed by a goaltend on a Kobe Bufkin layup — the Wolverines’ lead was pushed to six points. Michigan basketball did not stop there, as the Wolverines buried a 3-pointer following a Nebraska turnover, pushing their lead to 21-12 (10-0) before a Husker timeout.

The Wolverines continued their impressive run right out of the break after Terris Reed Jr. forced a turnover and sunk his layup. Michigan’s lead was 11, and it was clear that the Wolverines were well prepared and ready to take 2nd place in the Big Ten. Kobe Bufkin scored a layup on Michigan’s next possession — Michigan’s run was pushed to 14-0 before Nebraska got back on the board with a 3-pointer.

The other Howard brother, Jace, drilled a three to give Michigan basketball a 28-15 lead — it was the Wolverines 5th 3-pointer of the game to that point. On Michigan’s next possession, Michigan freshman guard Dug McDaniel drilled the Wolverines’ 6th 3-pointer, giving Michigan a 31-15 lead.

After one half of basketball, the Wolverines led the Cornhuskers, 46-34. Michigan basketball had itself an incredible shooting half — the Wolverines shot 68% from the floor, 57.1% from 3-point range, and 80% from the charity stripe. It was clear that Juwan Howard’s Wolverines were about to have one of “those” nights in the best possible way — Michigan basketball looked unstoppable on offense and was playing sound defense throughout most of the 1st half. The Wolverines made eight 3-pointer

Wolverines lay on the gas, clinch win over Nebraska

Despite a slow end to the first half of play, Michigan basketball seemed to pick up where it left off throughout the second half of play. A series of big plays propelled the Wolverines — enough to allow the Wolverines to hang on and pull off the victory.

Terrence Williams had a surprisingly good game; he finished with 10 points (4/5 from the floor) and played solid defense throughout most of tonight’s contest. Michigan’s Joey Baker also had an incredible game — Baker came off the bench for the Wolverines and racked up 11 points, primarily from beyond the arc.

Though the Huskers managed to remain in the game for arguably longer than they should have, Michigan basketball tightened up down the stretch and maintained its double-digit lead.

Most of Michigan’s scoring came from the floor — the officials held their whistles tonight as both teams combined for 30 total free throws. free throws all game (including intentional fouls towards the end of the matchup). The Wolverines played great team basketball throughout the night — Michigan finished the game with 16 assists and outrebounded Nebraska 35-2

Michigan basketball saw huge performances from Jett Howard as well (22 points), who is still recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Minnesota a few weeks ago. Howard will be an essential piece to the Wolverines’ puzzle if they expect to make an NCAA tournament run later this year. This was a good win for Michigan basketball; however, the real test comes this weekend when No. 18 Indiana comes to town.

FINAL: Michigan 93, Nebraska 72

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BREAKING: Juwan Howard has surgery, Martelli to assume interim coach role

BREAKING: Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard has successful surgery. Phil Martelli to take over as interim head coach.

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Juwan Howard, Michigan basketball, Phil Martelli
Mar 5, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Today, news broke that Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard, who is entering his fourth season at the helm in Ann Arbor, had open heart surgery over the offseason. With Howard recovering, long-time assistant Phil Martelli is slated to be the Wolverines’ interim head coach to open the 2023-24 season, which is fast approaching.

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard has heart surgery, Phil Martelli to serve as interim coach

The 2023-24 Michigan basketball season will look a little different later this year, as Phil Martelli will be stepping in as interim head coach. Today, it was confirmed that Juwan Howard — the team’s full-time head coach — is recovering from heart surgery right now.

“I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health,” said Howard in a statement. “My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. (Himanshu) Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us.”

Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel added the following:

“We are extremely grateful Juwan’s proactive procedure was a success and that he is resting comfortably,” said Warde Manuel. “We will continue to support Juwan, Jenine and his family as well as the program throughout his absence. All of us at the athletic department have Juwan in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to Juwan’s return when he feels that he has fully recovered.”

It is expected that Juwan Howard will return to the court as head coach for Michigan basketball later in the season.



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Elite Michigan basketball target will be in Ann Arbor tomorrow

Tomorrow, an elite Michigan basketball target (2024 recruiting class) will be in Ann Arbor for his first-ever visit with the Wolverines.

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Michigan basketball, recruiting, No. 1 recruit in Virginia, Juwan Howard
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Juwan Howard and his Wolverines will be hosting Patrick Ngongba, an elite Michigan basketball target in the 2024 recruiting class, shortly. Ngongba, the No. 1 recruit in Virginia, has the Maize and Blue among his finalists and will be making the trip to Ann Arbor tomorrow (September 8th).

Elite Michigan basketball target about to be in Ann Arbor

While the 2023 Michigan Wolverines football season is now in full swing and has the attention of the entire fanbase, it’s worth noting that Juwan Howard and the Maize and Blue are hot on the recruiting trail in the 2024 recruiting class and beyond. After a tough 2022-23 season, Howard needs some good news to right the ship in Ann Arbor — tomorrow, he will have a massive opportunity to get one step closer to landing an elite recruit.

Patrick Ngongba is the No. 1 recruit in Virginia (for the 2024 recruiting class) and is an elite Michigan basketball target. The 6-foot-10, 235-pound center is an ESPN five-star prospect and is ranked among the top 30 players in the country in the composite rankings. So far, Juwan Howard has landed two prospects in the 2024 cycle, neither of which is rated anywhere close to Patrick Ngongba in the composite standings.

Can Juwan Howard land Patrick Ngongba in the 2024 recruiting class?

For the time being, Michigan basketball appears to be on the outside looking in ahead of Patrick Ngongba’s visit tomorrow — Duke and Kansas State currently have the best odds of landing him, per the Recruiting Prediction Machine. That said, Juwan Howard is a solid recruiter, and a visit to Ann Arbor, MI, ahead of a football game weekend could be a difference-maker for the Wolverines down the stretch.

According to the On3 visit tracker, tomorrow will be the first time that Michigan basketball gets the No. 1 recruit in Virginia on campus. This further showcases how important the visit will be for the Wolverines if Juwan Howard expects to have a shot against some of the other major programs vying for his commitment.

***If you missed it, Tom Brady is searching for the biggest Michigan fan! We have a great series going right now as a part of our Fan Flex challenge series — below is the link to our latest challenge! Among this week’s prizes includes an invite to the Blue by Ninety tailgate and a Blue by Ninety beer (for those of age) See the link below for more!

LINK: https://autograph.outgrow.us/blueby90-3



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Michigan basketball recruiting will host No. 1 point guard in September

Michigan basketball recruiting will host the No. 1 point guard of the 2025 class for an official visit.

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Michigan basketball recruiting No. 1 point guard
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan basketball is coming off of its most disappointing season of the Juwan Howard era. After missing the national tournament for the first time since taking over as head coach, Howard is already looking ahead to the future to right the ship for the Wolverines. Recently, Joe Tipton of On3 Sports announced that Darius Acuff — currently the No. 1 point guard of the 2025 recruiting class — will visit Ann Arbor in early September.

Michigan basketball recruiting will host official visit for No. 1 point guard Darius Acuff

Michigan basketball has a huge opportunity to lock down an elite prospect this September. Acuff’s official Ann Arbor visit will reportedly last from September 1-3.

Acuff is among the nation’s best and currently holds the No. 1 On3 industry ranking among point guards in the 2025 class. Across all positions, the six-foot point guard is the No. 9 industry-ranked player in the country.

Acuff is originally from Detroit, MI and played basketball at Cass Tech before recently transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. Michigan basketball currently holds the lead on Acuff’s recruitment on On3’s recruiting prediction machine with a 45.4 percent chance. Also in contention for Acuff’s recruitment are Kentucky, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

While Michigan basketball lost lots of talent this offseason, the recruiting game has been heating up as well. Landing a top-tier talent like Acuff could be just what the Wolverines need to build their recruiting momentum.



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and InstagramYou can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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