Predictions: Illinois
We all know what's at stake today. Illinois has been playing much better of late, so I expect this to be a tough game. The Illini are a pretty good defensive team (Top 15 Kenpom) and horrible offensively. Michigan seems to do well against teams that can't light up the scoreboard and rely on defense to win games. Illinois' defense is predicated on getting turnovers, but we don't turn the ball over. Still, this should be a close game throughout, and let's hope we can avoid another awful first 10 minutes before the shots start falling. 63-61 Michigan. Predictions?
but I'll also be negbanging those that make no prediction. Have at you!
57-55
71-57 good guys.
but win anyway like the last three games.
The projections were slightly revised this morning, but our chances of winning out still look rather good:
| RECORD | Illinois | Indiana | PROBABILITY (EST.) |
| (15-3) | 0.65 | 0.83 | 53.95% |
| (14-4) | 0.65 | 0.17 | 11.05% |
| (14-4) | 0.35 | 0.83 | 29.05% |
| (13-5) | 0.35 | 0.17 | 5.95% |
TeamRankings compares them thusly:
|
Offense
|
Michigan | Illinois |
|
Points/Game
|
74.9 | 65.1 |
| Avg Score Margin | +9.8 | +3.0 |
| Assists/Game | 14.5 | 10.2 |
| Total Rebounds/Gm | 32.5 | 34.4 |
| Effective FG % | 55.3% | 46.2% |
| Off Rebound % | 26.9% | 30.5% |
| FTA/FGA | 0.357 | 0.321 |
| Turnover % | 13.0% | 14.1% |
|
Defense
|
Michigan | Illinois |
|
Opp Points/Game
|
65.1 | 62.0 |
|
Opp Effective FG %
|
49.2% | 47.0% |
| Off Rebounds/Gm | 7.6 | 9.8 |
| Def Rebounds/Gm | 22.3 | 22.0 |
| Blocks/Game | 2.5 | 3.9 |
| Steals/Game | 5.1 | 6.2 |
| Personal Fouls/Gm | 14.7 | 17.3 |
I've been anxiously awaiting this post!
So, seems to me that they're somewhat more aggressive (more fouls than us), have more steals and more blocks than Michigan as well. I'll stick with my original post that we need to bang it inside and get some fouls, get Illinois on its heels and then open up the three point rain storm.
61-58 good guys
IL 64
UM 77
Call the sub shop, its about to get crazy!!!
The Illini won't be able to score, at least not consistently. This team seems like a worse version of OSU. I think the team will be ready to play knowing whats at stake, plus Caris will have a great game. We'll have open looks all night and when they aren't falling, a renewed focus on D will keep us in it. Won't be a cake walk but we win.
70 - 61 UM.
'Michigan seems to do well against teams that can't light up the scoreboard and rely on defense to win games."
"Indiana"
with that said, our height and length on the perimeter is the difference in the half court and their lack of offensive efficiency will fuel our transition game. Win by 6.
Michigan by 11, 62-51, Undisputed Title
Michigan 71
Illinois 67