Two truths and a lie from Michigan basketball loss to Illinois

Michigan basketball dropped a costly game against Illinois on Sunday and here are two truths and a lie.
Mar 2, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;  Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives to the basket past Michigan Wolverines center Vladislav Goldin (50) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Mar 2, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives to the basket past Michigan Wolverines center Vladislav Goldin (50) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Michigan basketball lost control of its destiny in the race for the Big Ten championship, at least in terms of winning the regular season title outright.

Illinois beat Michigan basketball for the ninth straight time. That was one of the most frustrating aspects of Sunday's loss, along with the 18 offensive rebounds.

Those were was maddening. The Wolverines trailed by one at the half and grabbed the lead shortly in the second, but Illinois was the better team, winning the game 93-73.

Looking back at the result, here are two truths and a lie.

Truth: The poor 3-point shooting will kill the season

I've been saying on repeat for the past week or two but Michigan basketball has to start shooting the ball better from 3-point range or its return to the NCAA tournament will be short lived.

According to Zach Shaw of 247 Sports, who did some research on the topic, Michigan basketball is ranked 359th out of 364 teams in college basketball in 3-point shooting percentage since February 1st. Michigan has only been shooting 27 percent since Feb. 1.

What's worse is that only two of the last 160 Sweet 16 teams have shot below 30 percent from 3-point after Feb. 1, so unless Michigan turns it around quickly, the season will be ending quicker than anyone wants in the postseason.

Truth: Michigan basketball can't beat Illinois

Nine straight losses to one program is really annoying. I understand that most of those came under Juwan Howard, but Sunday looked very similar.

Illinois crashed the offensive glass, made a bunch of 3-pointers, and didn't allow Michigan many assists. That's been the formula for years and it felt like the Wolverines were back in the Juwan Howard era on Sunday.

At some point, Michigan needs to figure out how to beat Illinois, which seems to be one of the best teams every season and isn't going anywhere under Brad Underwood.

Lie: Michigan's Big Ten title hopes are done

The Big Ten title hopes took a huge hit, especially in terms of winning the outright conference championship, but the Wolverines still control their destiny. If Michigan wins the next two games, it will at least get a share of the Big Ten championship, regardless of what happens anywhere else.

Winning in East Lansing and a piece of the title, denying MSU the outright championship would be as sweet as it gets outside of winning the league title outright. Yet, Michigan will have to play better, and it starts with Wednesday's home game against Maryland.

Schedule

Schedule