Michigan Defeats Illinois in NCAAB Showdown
Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · State Farm Center
Michigan Wolverines 84, Illinois Fighting Illini 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Michigan Wolverines vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Michigan Wolverines beat Illinois Fighting Illini 84-70 at State Farm Center on February 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Michigan Wolverines vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Michigan Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Michigan Wolverines triumphed over the Illinois Fighting Illini with a final score of 84-70 at the State Farm Center. This victory not only solidifies Michigan's strong season record of 27-2 but also highlights Illinois's struggles, having lost their last game and now standing at 22-7 for the season.
The Wolverines entered the game riding a wave of momentum, boasting a recent record of 9-1 over their last ten games, with their only loss coming against the Duke Blue Devils. They have averaged 82.8 points per game while allowing 68.1 points, showcasing a solid offensive and defensive balance. In contrast, the Fighting Illini have gone 7-3 in their last ten, with an average of 85.2 points scored but also allowing 71.9 points per game. Despite their high-scoring potential, Illinois has struggled defensively, particularly in their last five games, where they averaged 87.6 points scored but allowed 77.6.
At home, Illinois has a record of 4-1, while Michigan has been formidable on the road with a 4-1 record as well. The previous meeting between these two teams took place on March 2, 2025, where Illinois emerged victorious with a score of 93-73. However, the tables turned in this latest encounter as Michigan demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome their previous defeat.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant player absences that would have impacted the game's outcome. Both teams appeared to field their best lineups, contributing to the competitive nature of the match.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, favored Michigan with a spread of -1.5. The total points line was set at 159.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game, which ultimately aligned with the offensive performances witnessed on the court.
Conditions during the game were typical for a late February matchup, with no adverse weather conditions reported that would have affected play. The atmosphere at the State Farm Center was likely charged, given the stakes of the game and the rivalry between the two teams.
As for the scoring plays, Morez Johnson Jr. was pivotal for Michigan, contributing significantly in the second half with a series of free throws and a layup that extended their lead. Other notable scoring came from Yaxel Lendeborg and Ben Humrichous, who both hit crucial three-pointers that kept the momentum firmly in Michigan's favor.
Overall, this game highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both programs as they head into the final stretch of the season. Michigan's ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and maintain defensive pressure ultimately secured them the victory against Illinois.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MICH -1.5 | 159.5 o -115 / u -105 | Michigan Wolverines -130 · Illinois Fighting Illini +110 |
Leaders
- PointsKeaton Wagler23Illinois Fighting Illini
- AssistsKeaton Wagler3Illinois Fighting Illini
- ReboundsDavid Mirkovic10Illinois Fighting Illini
- PointsMorez Johnson Jr.19Michigan Wolverines
- AssistsElliot Cadeau5Michigan Wolverines
- ReboundsMorez Johnson Jr.11Michigan Wolverines
Recent form
Illinois Fighting Illini
Last 10: 7-3Streak L185.2 scored · 71.9 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L94-95at UCLA BruinsFeb 22
- W101-65at USC TrojansFeb 19
- W71-51vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 15
- L90-92vs Wisconsin BadgersFeb 11
- L82-85at Michigan State SpartansFeb 8
- W84-44vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 5
- W78-69at Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 1
- W75-66vs Washington HuskiesJan 30
- W88-82at Purdue BoilermakersJan 24
- W89-70vs Maryland TerrapinsJan 22
Michigan Wolverines
Last 10: 9-1Streak W182.8 scored · 68.1 allowed per game4-1 away
- W77-67vs Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 25
- L63-68at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 21
- W91-80at Purdue BoilermakersFeb 17
- W86-56vs UCLA BruinsFeb 14
- W87-75at Northwestern WildcatsFeb 12
- W82-61at Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 8
- W110-69vs Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 5
- W83-71at Michigan State SpartansJan 31
- W75-72vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 28
- W74-62vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 24
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Michigan Wolverines | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-59 | 26-63 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 9-29 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 31 |
| Free throws | 14-17 | 9-12 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 18 |
| Assists | 15 | 9 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 1 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 32 |
| Fouls | 14 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 80 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-37Jake Davis makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tomislav Ivisic assists)
- 2nd Half45-37Yaxel Lendeborg makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-38Keaton Wagler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-39Keaton Wagler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-39Morez Johnson Jr. makes 4-foot dunk (Aday Mara assists)
- 2nd Half47-41Keaton Wagler makes layup
- 2nd Half49-41Aday Mara makes 9-foot jumper (Nimari Burnett assists)
- 2nd Half51-41Aday Mara makes 3-foot dunk (Elliot Cadeau assists)
- 2nd Half51-43Zvonimir Ivisic makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-43L.J. Cason makes layup
- 2nd Half53-45David Mirkovic makes layup (Ben Humrichous assists)
- 2nd Half53-48Keaton Wagler makes 24-foot three point jumper (David Mirkovic assists)
- 2nd Half55-48Aday Mara makes layup (Elliot Cadeau assists)
- 2nd Half56-48Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-50Keaton Wagler makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-50Yaxel Lendeborg makes 3-foot dunk (Aday Mara assists)
- 2nd Half59-50Yaxel Lendeborg makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-51Keaton Wagler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-52Keaton Wagler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-52Aday Mara makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-52Aday Mara makes 3-foot dunk (Elliot Cadeau assists)
- 2nd Half65-52Aday Mara makes layup
- 2nd Half66-52Aday Mara makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-54Tomislav Ivisic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-54Trey McKenney makes 25-foot three point jumper (Morez Johnson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half72-54Trey McKenney makes 26-foot three point jumper (Yaxel Lendeborg assists)
- 2nd Half75-54Will Tschetter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elliot Cadeau assists)
- 2nd Half75-57Keaton Wagler makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half77-57Elliot Cadeau makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half77-58Keaton Wagler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-59Kylan Boswell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-61Keaton Wagler makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-61Morez Johnson Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half80-61Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-61Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-63David Mirkovic makes layup
- 2nd Half81-64David Mirkovic makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half84-64Yaxel Lendeborg makes 25-foot three point jumper (Elliot Cadeau assists)
- 2nd Half84-67Ben Humrichous makes 27-foot three point jumper (Keaton Wagler assists)
- 2nd Half84-70Kylan Boswell makes 26-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois Fighting Illini, below favours Michigan Wolverines.
Venue
- State Farm CenterChampaign, IL
- Attendance15544
- OfficialsKipp Kissinger, Doug Sirmons, Jeffrey Anderson
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