The Illinois basketball program dropped an unexpected game against UCLA, but we can make up for that loss with a win over Michigan.
This will be, arguably, the toughest game the Illini play all season. The Wolverines bring a ton of firepower at all levels, and Illinois’ defense hasn’t been great lately. It will be a classic game that should help determine the final seedings for the NCAA tournament.
Here is the Illinois basketball vs Michigan how to watch, series history, and players to watch
Illinois basketball vs Michigan - How to watch
This heavyweight bout between two of the top teams in the Big Ten will take place on Friday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. CT/8:00 p.m. ET. You can find the game on FOX.
Illinois basketball vs Michigan - Series history
This has probably been one of Illinois’ best rivals in the Big Ten. There have been 181 games played against each other, and the Illini lead the series 96-85.
During the John Groce era and into the start of the Brad Underwood era, Michigan was dominating the Orange and Blue. As of late, that has changed. Illinois has won nine straight against the Maize and Blue, and this includes a 20-point thumping back in March 2025.
Illinois basketball vs Michigan - Players to watch
This is going to be the hot topic of the heated matchup between Illinois and Michigan. The player I am eyeing is Morez Johnson Jr.
Johnson transferred from Illinois and ended up at Michigan, where he is now playing some great basketball. He is averaging 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 assists per game.
Michigan has numerous scoring threats, including four players who average at least 10 points per game and eight players who average at least 7.3 points per game.
It will be interesting to see how Illinois does with our big men matching up against what the Wolverines trot out. They have good size who can rebound the basketball. That isn’t the case with the Illini, though. We have good size, but our big men aren’t the best rebounders in the world.
Tomislav Ivisic and David Mirkovic are going to be two key players who are going to dictate how the game goes for Illinois. If these two are clicking with their size and offensive prowess, then Illinois should be able to do some damage and extend the winning streak to 10 games against Michigan.