Michigan hosts #15 Illinois now back at full strength

Michigan comes in 15-11 overall, and 9-7 in the conference. The Wolverines were able to get a must-win victory over a hot Rutgers team at home while shorthanded. Coach Phil Martelli took over coaching responsibilities, and leaned heavily on Coach Saddi Washington and Coach Howard Eisley for game preparation. Michigan saw the bench play very well in a game where their lack of depth could have been a detriment. Every game from here on out is a big game, especially this next Quad 1 game against Illinois. It can be said that Michigan is on the right side of the bubble as of now, but the NCAA tournament bracket changes with every game. Michigan sits at #32 on the NET, and Illinois is #14 on the NET. Illinois is the highest NET rated team left on the schedule.

Illinois comes in 19-8 overall, and 12-5 in the conference. The Illini have lost three of their last five games, losing two of their last three games on the road. In their last meeting, Michigan did not have Hunter Dickinson or Brandon Johns available, and it was a two possession game with under five minutes left. Illinois has not lost to Michigan since January 10, 2019 and look to extend that streak. After Purdue lost to Michigan State, the Illini are eyeing their first regular season conference championship since 2005. If Illinois wins out and Purdue beats Wisconsin, then Illinois will lock up a share of the Big Ten title. There is a lot on the line in Ann Arbor.

Michigan vs Illinois Statistical Overview

Pace: Illinois averages 70.6 possessions per game, ranking 167th nationally.

Offense vs Zone: Interested to see how often Michigan shows zone in this matchup. Illinois is 5th in the country when going against zone defense, scoring 1.275 points per possession (PPP).

Catch and Shoot: In catch and shoot situations, Illinois is ranked 20th nationally while scoring 1.161 PPP.

Team Offensive Efficiency: Illinois ranks 27th in the country in offensive efficiency, scoring 1.081 PPP.

Team Defensive Efficiency: Illinois ranks 81st nationally in defensive efficiency, allowing 0.955 PPP.

Illinois Main Personnel

#21 Kofi Cockburn: Kofi is a 7’0″ 290 pound big man out of Jamaica. Kofi is a lock to be 1st team All Big Ten and at minimum a 2nd team All American. He comes in averaging 21.2 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 59.5% from the floor. He ranks 8th in the country in scoring, 52nd in the nation in FG%, and 8th in the nation in rebounding. Kofi likes to bury himself deep in the post and finish everything through contact with either hand. Teams have to decide whether they will trap on the block or choose to mix up the reads. Kofi is a much improved passer this season, so the defense will have to scramble when he locates shooters. He is coming off of one of his rougher outings, putting up 12 points and three rebounds on 33.3% shooting. (Last Game vs Michigan: 21 points and 10 rebounds)

#1 Trent Frazier: Frazier is a 6’2″ 180 pound guard out of Florida. He is averaging 12.4 points, four assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 41% from the floor and 34% from 3pt range. In my opinion, I know Kofi is a beast, but Frazier is the most important player on the team. Frazier is 3rd on the team scoring, and tasked with guarding the biggest threat from the opposing team. You know which guard Illinois wants to stop when you recognize Frazier’s assignment. He plays 34.4 minutes per game, leading the team. Frazier is the head of the snake, and in order for Michigan to win, he will need to be one of the top priorities. (Last Game vs Michigan: 18 points and seven assists)

Secondary Personnel

#11 Alfonso Plummer: Plummer is a 6’1″ 180 pound transfer guard from Utah. He comes in averaging 15.1 points per game while shooting 41.2% from the 3pt line. Plummer has been lights out this year from long range, adding another shooter to space the floor around Cockburn. He averages 3.04 made 3pt shots per game, which ranks 26th in the country. Plummer had a great game in his last outing against Ohio State, scoring 26 points on 8/10 shooting from 3pt. He has struggled in his last two road games, scoring a combined 12 points while shooting 5/17 from the floor and not making a 3pt shot in seven attempts. Despite his recent road struggles, he is a tough shooter who is not afraid of taking and making big shots. (Last Game vs Michigan: 15 points and three rebounds)

#3 Jacob Grandison: Grandison is a 6’6″ 210 pound wing out of California. He is averaging 10.6 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the floor and 41.4% from the 3pt line. Grandison has turned his game up in the last two games, averaging 19 points while shooting 50% from the 3pt line. He usually gets lost in the mix as the 4th option, but that makes him more dangerous. Michigan must hard contest every jump shot without fouling, and box him out when the shot goes up. (Last Game vs Michigan: Six points and three rebounds)