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Illinois Basketball: 4 big statistics from the Illini win over Michigan

By Rees Woodcock

Michigan center Hunter Dickinson (1) makes a layup against Illinois center Kofi Cockburn (21) during the first half Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.
Michigan center Hunter Dickinson (1) makes a layup against Illinois center Kofi Cockburn (21) during the first half Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. /
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Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Adam Miller (44) Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jacob Grandison (3) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da’Monte Williams (20) celebrate during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. 0.36

I think we could all agree that Michigan had a lot of clout coming into the game on Tuesday. Statistically, they were one of the best teams in the nation.

One of the reasons Michigan has played so well this year is due to the fact they have been efficient. They are a team that moves the ball around, and they don’t turn the ball over too many times. That wasn’t the case against the Illini, though.

Michigan finished the game on Tuesday with a 0.36 assist-to-turnover ratio.

As previously mentioned, Illinois’ defense was amazing against Michigan. This was shown in multiple ways, but the fact the Wolverines only had four assists to go along with their 11 turnovers shows that the Illini defensive mindset was on point.

Entering the game, Michigan was averaging an ATR of 1.372, which ranked No. 19 in the nation. That is a great number, but it didn’t matter to the Illini. They held the Wolverines to, by far, their lowest ATR of the season.

Michigan has actually struggled their last two games. Before the lowest ATR against Illinois, their second-lowest ATR came in the previous game against Indiana, which was a 0.72 ATR.

Illinois helped continue the Wolverines’ struggles. It was a great performance by the Illini defense. If we can manage to keep our opponents at a 0.36 ATR the rest of the season, we will win the national title.

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