For the first time since 2006, Champaign hosted a matchup with two top ten teams, but as the final buzzer sounded, the No. 10 University of Illinois Fighting Illini (22-7, 13-5) could not get it done as they lost to the No. 3 University of Michigan Wolverines (27-2, 17-1) 84 to 70. This is Illinois’ first loss to Michigan since 2019 after winning their last nine meetings.
Takeaways
Illinois: From tip off, Illinois fed off the energy from inside the State Farm Center, as they started the game with intensity on defense. Both teams would trade the leads with each other, but no team was able to extend to a comfortable lead. Midway through the first half, the Illini started to slow down and found themselves chasing Michigan for the lead. Miscommunication on defense, led to turnovers on offense and Illinois started to fall behind. Senior guard Kylan Bowell led the team with 11 first half points and made it difficult for Michigan to handle the ball down the court.
In the second half, Illinois tried to cut into Michigan’s lead, but the miscommunications from the first half carried over to the second. The Wolverines continued to increase their lead to double digits. Midway through the second half, freshman guard Keaton Wagler tried to get Illinois back in the game, eventually cutting the lead to five, but mistakes defensively kept Illinois trailing by double digits.
Boswell ended his night with 15 points; meanwhile, Wagler scored 23 points
Michigan: Coming into this game, all eyes were on sophomore Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. as he made his return to State Farm Center after transferring from Illinois this past summer. The former Illini was barraged with boos all game, but he did not let the boos faze him. Johnson led Michigan in scoring in the first half with 13 points and four offensive rebounds. Michigan would capitalize on Illinois’ offensive mistakes and get a seven-point lead heading into halftime.
Entering the final 20 minutes of the game, Michigan continued to apply pressure on Illinois and constantly attacked the basket. By playing within the 3-point arch, Michigan slowed the pace of the game, preventing Illinois from mounting a comeback. Even when Illinois got within five points, Michigan showed why it was the number three team in the nation. The Wolverines made it hard for Illinois to get any clean shots and would not let Illinois go on another scoring run. Junior Michigan center Aday Mara scored 15 points in the second half, which kept the momentum on the Wolverines’ side.
Mara ended with 19 points, along with Johnson having a double-double in his return to Champaign with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Up Next
The Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team will gear up one more time at State Farm Center for the season as they host their final home game of the season. Illinois will host Oregon on Tuesday at 8 pm to celebrate Senior Day.