Predictions: Illinois

Submitted by LS And Play on

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?

lbpeley

March 4th, 2014 at 10:38 AM ^

10 point W says the homer in me. Hopefuly no Illini player decides to go Yogi or Johnson or Kaminsky on our asses.

GoWings2008

March 4th, 2014 at 10:47 AM ^

LSA's breakdown of our opponents season, more specifically about the Illini interior defense if possible.  I think that if UM can force the ball inside like they finally started figuring out the other day, and get it in there early, they'll do well tonight.  Need to break up the interior defense of Illinois so that the 3-pt opportunities are easier.  Sort of like using the run to set up the pass in football.

SF Wolverine

March 4th, 2014 at 10:51 AM ^

Not because we struggle as much as we have recently on the road, but because Illini are a good defensive team, with a hell of a lot to play for.  They beat us here and they are all the rage in bubble conversations Wednesday morning.  61-57; late free throws are important.

Farnn

March 4th, 2014 at 11:17 AM ^

I feel like Michigan has been very successful under Beilein against teams that rely heavily on turnovers on defense and the fast break on offense.  If Michigan can get shots to fall early(big IF right now) I don't think Ill can catch up.

champswest

March 4th, 2014 at 11:59 AM ^

UM losing or a relatively high scoring game with UM winning. I hope we win it tonight so we can face IU on Saturday with nothing on the line and really put a beat down on them.