Michigan basketball just clinched a share of the Big Ten Regular Season Title. It's the first time the Wolverines have done that since the 2020-2021 season. And yet, things feel off in Ann Arbor. Against a Minnesota team whose starters all played 38+ minutes, Michigan had to rely on 42% shooting from three (14-33) to win a close game.
The Wolverines were 21-point favorites heading into the Minnesota game, and it was a close game all night. It just didn't feel like Michigan was juiced up, which is strange coming off a loss. The Wolverines did improve on their two most notable woes against Duke - three-point shooting and rebounding - and yet it feels like Michigan didn't do what they should have done.
Minnesota's tallest player was 6'9, playing with an injured shoulder. Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, and Yaxel Lendeborg, arguably the three most important players on Michigan's roster, combined for just 19 points. The Wolverines only scored 26 of their 77 points in the paint against an extremely undersized and undermanned Minnesota team.
Michigan basketball played Minnesota's game, and luckily, the shots were falling from deep.
The Wolverines get back on track against Illinois
Illinois gives Michigan basketball a chance to right the ship and get back on track to win a national championship. The Wolverines are on a nine-game losing streak against the Fighting Illini, and this one should be good. The Illini are ranked #10 in the nation and are an elite offensive team. Led by potential top ten pick Keaton Wagler, Illinois, can score with anyone in the nation.
For Michigan to beat the Illini, they're going to have to have one of their best performances of the season. The Wolverines need to close out on the Illinois shooters, grab rebounds on both ends, and make shots. It'll take a near-perfect performance, but this team has what it takes.
A win here, and Michigan clinches the Big Ten Title outright. A win here, and it looks awfully likely that the Wolverines end the season 29-2, with a one seed in the NCAA Tournament locked up. If Michigan can go into Illinois and beat a national championship contender, the state of Michigan will be rejuvenated.
This may be the most important game of the season from the perspective of gaining momentum. Right now, the Wolverines are low on momentum. With a win against Illinois, this team could gain the confidence it needs to make a run towards the national championship. It'll be fascinating to see how the Wolverines play.