Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Michigan

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Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) goes to the basket on Michigan Wolverines guard Franz Wagner (21) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Big-time players show up in big-time games

Illinois entered the Michigan game on Tuesday night a man down. This would hurt a normal team, but Illinois is built differently. They aren’t a one-man show by any means.

This was the biggest game Illinois has played in years. Brad Underwood needed some senior leadership on the court. Who was the senior to step up?

Trent Frazier.

Everyone knew Frazier had playmaking abilities in him. He has put up big numbers in the past, but none of those numbers even come close to comparing to what he did against Michigan.

Frazier ended the game with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist. He shot 7-of-18 from the field and 2-of-5 from three-point land. He even converted 6-of-7 from the free throw line. This was an absolutely flawless game for the senior leader.

The 22 points Frazier put up on Tuesday night is his second-highest point total of the season. What was his highest point total? He dropped 24 points against No. 7 Iowa back on January 29.

Once again, Frazier showed that he is a big-time player. He knows when he needs to step up and when he needs to play a role. That is a skill that not many basketball players possess. Frazier is the ultimate team player and is someone who will never be forgotten in Illinois basketball history.

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