Michigan at Illinois Breakdown & Prediction

No. 2 Michigan at Illinois

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Assembly Hall

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan 18-1, 5-1 Big Ten; Illinois 15-5, 2-4

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (17.8 ppg); Rebounds – Glenn Robinson III (5.9 rpg); Assists – Burke (7.2 apg); Steals – Burke (1.3 spg).

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Brandon Paul (18.0 ppg); Rebounds – Paul (4.8 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.2 apg); Steals – Abrams/D.J. Richardson (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan W2, Illinois W1

Point Spread: Michigan -6.5

Prediction: There was a time during non-conference play that this game looked like it could be a real issue for Michigan. However, the Illini have gotten off to a slow start in Big Ten play and they come into this game with a below-average defense, which doesn’t bode well against a team like Michigan. The Illini have some scoring ability, especially with Paul. Look for Illinois to hang tough for most of the first half before Michigan pulls away in the second half. Michigan 74, Illinois 63