Michigan Terrible Defense Leaves Nebraska Basketball Baffled Score

Michigan's embarrassing defensive effort against Nebraska may cost Juwan Howard his job, with fans calling for his removal. #FireJuwanHoward

Michigan's potential decision to part ways with Juwan Howard this week comes on the heels of a disastrous defensive performance in Sunday's college basketball game against Nebraska. The Wolverines allowed Cornhuskers standout Keisei Tominaga to easily score, highlighting the struggles of Howard's tenure in Ann Arbor.

Trailing by 17 points late in the second half, Michigan failed to contain Tominaga, who coasted from one end of the court to the other for a simple basket. The lack of defensive effort was glaring, with a Wolverines defender only attempting to stop Tominaga after he had already made his way to the paint. Tominaga's bewildered shrug spoke volumes about Michigan's defensive breakdown.

Despite the impending Big Ten Tournament, Howard's job security is in serious doubt following a disappointing 8-22 record in his fifth season as head coach. With consecutive NCAA Tournament misses and dwindling fan support, the pressure is mounting for a change at the helm of the program.

If Howard is indeed let go, the defensive lapse against Nebraska will serve as a clear example of his shortcomings. The lack of organization and urgency displayed by the team on Sunday is indicative of larger issues that warrant his dismissal.

While Howard's ties to the Fab Five and past success may have bought him some time, the writing seems to be on the wall for his departure. The lack of progress and fan discontent make it increasingly likely that Michigan will seek a new direction for its basketball program. The defensive collapse against Nebraska may have been the final straw in Howard's coaching tenure.