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Michigan Basketball Dominates Illinois, Add Impressive Win to NCAA Resume

By Chris Peterson

Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Zak Irvin (21) dunks the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 75-55. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Zak Irvin (21) dunks the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 75-55. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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If there was any question about Michigan basketball making the NCAA Tournament, there isn’t anymore after blowing out Illinois 75-55 in the Big Ten tourney.

Apparently, airplane issues and practice jerseys are good luck for Michigan basketball.

Related Story: Expectations for Michigan Basketball in Big Ten Tournament

After its team plane slide off the runway earlier in the week, it’s been chaos for Michigan basketball. But with only their practice uniforms to wear, the Wolverines erased any doubt about their NCAA Tournament berth thanks to a 77-55 win over Illinois Thursday in the Big Ten Tournament.

After all that happened leading up to the game, a hangover would be expected, but the Wolverines flew out of gates, grabbing an 11-2 lead after a 3-pointer by Zak Irvin. Then, following a four-point play from Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, UM was up 15-4.

The hot shooting continued and after Irvin nailed a trey, Michigan led 31-11. Illinois responded with a 12-0 run that got them back into it and at one point, it got as close as seven.

Yet, Abdur-Rahkman pushed the lead back to double digits with a dunk and a 3-pointer late in the half that help UM go up 40-29 at halftime.

In the second half, Illinois hit a three to get within eight. But Derrick Walton Jr. connected a three of his own, then scored again to boost the advantage to 47-34. Then, two layups from Abdur-Rahkman and an assist from the junior to Irvin for a quick hoop, Michigan led 54-36.

The Fighting Illini got within 10 points again at 62-52, when Walton hit two 3-pointers in short order, then set up D.J. Wilson for a triple of his own to ice the 20-point win as UM closed to the game on a 13-3 run.

Walton led the way for Michigan basketball with 19 points. The senior connected on four treys, had five assists and four rebounds. Zak Irvin, who surged late in the season, was 8-of-14 from the field and scored 18 points. Rahkman had 17 and Wilson finished with 11.

The win was key for Michigan for two reasons. For one, it moves them into the Big-Ten quarterfinals against Purdue. But more than that, it wraps up an NCAA Tournament berth.

According to projections by ESPN and CBS Sports, Michigan was No. 9 seed before the win over Illinois, putting the Wolverines in solid position. However, after a 20-point win over a bubble team, they are a lock.

And with another win or two, it’s possible for the 21-11 Wolverines to jump a spot or two in seeding.

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Either way, Michigan basketball fans can rejoice in the fact that their team will be dancing for the seventh time in the last nine seasons.

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