In what was arguably the most important game of the regular season, Michigan basketball delivered what might have been its best performance, in an 84-70 win.
That win clinched the Big Ten championship outright for the Wolverines, who are 27-2 overall and 17-1 in the Big Ten, with games against Michigan State and Iowa left to play.
Michigan basketball ended a nine-game losing streak to Illinois. It was the third top-10 win on the road this season, and here are three observations from a memorable 84-70 win.
Michigan's frontcourt responded to the challenge
The Wolverines big three: Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, and Yaxel Lendeborg didn't play their best against Duke six days ago.
On Friday night, it would have been hard to ask more. The trio combined for 54 points, 23 rebounds, seven assists and four blocked shots. Illinois had no answer for Mara. He made 8-of-9 shots from the field, and created a good shot for himself or someone else everytime he touched the ball.
Illinois talked smack to Morez Johnson, but Johnson had the last laugh. He delivered, just like he said he would before the game, with a double-double. Mara and Johnson each had some impressive finishes around the rim as Michigan basketball shot 62 percent on 2-pointers.
Illinois' elite offense struggled with Michigan's length, not just around the rim, but on the perimeter, too.
This was a thorough domination. It wasn't just a championship-clinching win; it reinforced perfectly why the Wolverines won the championship.
Michigan basketball won the Big Ten title the hard way
To wrap up the league title, Michigan had to beat four top-10 teams (Nebraska included) in a span of 10 games, with another top-10 team on the schedule during that run.
The only game, outside of the Duke loss, that was even close was Nebraska, at home. The Wolverines beat Michigan State by 12, Purdue by 11, and Illinois by 14, in their own gyms.
It doesn't get more impressive than that. These are all top-10 caliber teams, too. Teams can complain about the schedule all they want, but Michigan went 4-0 against every other team in title contention, with three wins by an average of 12.3 points on the road.
3-point rule applies
In both of Michigan's losses, the Wolverines shot below 32 percent from 3-point range. They shot 35 percent on Friday night. If they had shot 35 percent against Duke, Michigan would have won easily.
Duke's defense played a role. Michigan also missed open shots, like it missed five of its first six 3-point attempts against Illinois. It felt like another 25 percent effort was coming.
Yet, five different Michigan players made 3-pointers, led by Yaxel and Trey McKenney with two. And as far as the stage, it doesn't get any bigger.
Friday's game was a reminder that if Michigan shoots 35 percent from 3-point range, or at least close, it will be nearly impossible to beat. Just ask Illinois, Purdue, and Michigan State.
If this teams shoots well, there is no out pitch.