Michigan Basketball beats Illinois: 3 takeaways from the Wolverines win
Wagner delivered when Michigan needed him most
At the half against Illinois, things looked dicey for Michigan basketball. The Wolverines were down three and actually were fortunate to even be that close. Wagner had two points at that point and Matthews had zero.
Michigan’s two best players were neutralized by foul trouble. Yet, in the second half, both got it going. Wagner in particular played especially well. He scored 12 of his 14 points and scored five right away to help Michigan grab the lead.
Wagner has 12 points (5-6 FG) and 6 boards in 17 minutes. Matthews has 10 points (4-4 FG) in 10 minutes. This could have been uglier for Illinois if they both weren't in foul trouble.
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) January 6, 2018
Late in the game, the Wolverines took advantage of a pick-and-roll switch on back-to-back possessions, which allowed Wagner two easy hoops. Wagner also got the job done defensively too, registering three blocks.
If there was any doubt about Wagner’s health, he appears to have answered that question. He looked like his old self in the second half and thank goodness. With Michigan and Purdue looming this week, the Wolverines will need him at full strength.