In a thrilling primetime showdown, the Michigan men's basketball team delivered a standout performance, taking down No. 10 Illinois on their home turf, 84-70. This victory not only sent over 15,000 Illinois fans home in disappointment but also secured Michigan the outright Big Ten title and a coveted 1-seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
Facing the No. 4 team in the NET rankings, Michigan's double-digit road victory significantly boosts their resume, making them strong contenders for a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The possibility of playing in the Midwest Regional, with games in nearby Chicago, is now well within reach.
From the opening tip, Michigan's physical presence was undeniable. The Wolverines (17-1 Big Ten, 27-2 overall) dominated the paint, scoring 32 points on 22 dunk and layup attempts.
They also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, racking up 22 points against a top-tier rebounding opponent. Key contributions came from starting big men Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., and Yaxel Lendeborg, who combined for 53 points on an efficient 20-for-30 shooting performance.
In contrast, Illinois managed just 12 points on dunks and layups and struggled on the offensive boards.
This win marks Michigan's first victory over Illinois since 2019, breaking a nine-game losing streak. It was a particularly sweet moment for Johnson, who, after transferring from Illinois, returned to Champaign to post an impressive 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Although Michigan led for most of the game, it remained competitive until midway through the second half. With 10:18 left on the clock, the Wolverines ignited a 16-2 run, featuring a seven-point burst from Mara and three consecutive 3-pointers, transforming a tight 59-52 contest into a commanding 75-54 lead. The once-boisterous Illinois crowd was left in silence as Michigan sealed the victory.
This triumph gives Michigan a program-record 17th Big Ten win and ties another record with their 10th consecutive road victory. The Wolverines now enjoy a brief respite before facing Iowa on Thursday, followed by a home game against Michigan State the next Sunday.