What No. 4 Illinois did to No. 2 Michigan on Tuesday – no less than Michigan’s own court! – may be considered illegal in some jurisdictions.
Without the services of American guard Ayo Dosunmu, the Illini dismantled Wolverines 76-53. It was 33-22 at halftime, the game quickly escaped Michigan. But that same got out of control in the second half. Trent Frazier’s 16 points in the second half (and 22 points, the highest in the game) led Illinois to a 43-31 lead in the final 20 minutes.
Michigan built its stellar season around physical play, tough defense, an efficient versatile attack and good 3-point shots to support its attack. Illinois decided that he would not allow them to play his game. The result was a 42-26 rebound disparity in Illini’s lead, and an unfortunate 2 out of 7 finish in the 3-point range for the Wolverines. His 53 points marked the lowest total score for the entire season and the lowest since December 3, 2019, when he failed to break the 50 point mark in the loss to Louisville.
Both teams entered the night as No. 1 seeds in Jerry Palm’s Bracketology. After the defeat, Palm maintains the Wolverines as No. 1 seed, but falling from Seed No. 2 to National Seed No. 3 with the loss. The Illini continue to be the fourth seeded number 1 with their victory, effectively remaining in the first position, but changing slightly. Gonzaga and Baylor are ranked first as a result of Tuesday’s action.
Illinois has now won 10 of its last 11 games and launched for the title after a few difficult weeks in December and January. To demolish a Michigan team the way it did without Dosunmu, considering the way it is The Michigan team played, it should force you to recalibrate expectations. There are only a handful of real and viable teams capable of winning the tournament. The Illini showed with a statement that they are undoubtedly among them.