Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from an excruciating loss to Illinois

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Mar 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard reacts during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Juwan Howard remains winless against Illinois

This was the closest that Michigan basketball has come under Howard’s watch to beating the Illini in Champagne. It’s the only meeting between the two this season unless they meet up again in Chicago at next week’s Big Ten tournament. Brad Underwood lost his first two against the Wolverines but hasn’t lost to them since.

Hunter Dickinson and Kobe Bufkin did their part to stop this drought. Dickinson secured another double-double and passed his coach for 20th on the all-time Michigan scoring list. Bufkin was 75% from deep and had 23 for the Wolverines. Besides Jett Howard, these were the two who should have taken the shots with the game on the line, not Joey Baker.

Juwan Howard missing the tournament with this roster and having a 19-12, 19-15, and 17-12 record in 3 separate seasons at michigan is unacceptable when u take over one of the best basketball programs in the ENTIRE country. #firejuwan
— Jim Harbaugh’s Burner (@JimmyHarbaugh69) March 3, 2023

Baker was scoreless at the time that Michigan needed him the most. The trio of Howard, Bufkin, and Dickinson have to have the ball in their hands when the outcome is so dire like it was on Thursday night, although Howard fouled out in double overtime. The three of them have proven it this year even though their record doesn’t translate.

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