Illinois at Michigan Breakdown & Prediction

Illinois at No 7 Michigan

Time: 1PM ET

Venue: Crisler Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Illinois 20-8, 7-7 Big Ten, Michigan 22-4, 9-4

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Brandon Paul (16.4 ppg); Rebounds – Joseph Bertrand/Nnanna Egwu (4.5 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.5 apg); Steals – D.J. Richardson (1.5 spg).

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (18.6 ppg); Rebounds – Mitch McGary (5.9 rpg); Assists – Burke (6.9 apg); Steals – Burke (1.5 spg).

Current Streaks: Illinois W5, Michigan W1

Point Spread: Michigan -11

Prediction: Illinois has really built off its win over Indiana, as the Illini have a nice five-game winning streak right now. The Wolverines handed Illinois a bad loss on the road, but both teams seem to be in a different place right now. Illinois is playing as well as it has all conference season, while Michigan is still recovering from a string of road losses. I do think Michigan wins this contest, but Illinois is going to be a much tougher out this time around. The Wolverines need to start sparking on defense to build some confidence for a late run at the Big Ten title. It can start on Sunday, but I don’t think it will. Michigan 69, Illinois 66.

Illinois at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Illinois at No. 13 Michigan State

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Illinois 15-6, 2-5 Big Ten; MSU 17-4, 6-2

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Brandon Paul (17.9 ppg); Rebounds – Nnanna Egwu (4.9 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.2 apg); Steals – D.J. Richardson (1.6 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (6.9 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.1 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.9 spg).

Current Streaks: Illinois L1; MSU L1

Point Spread: Michigan State -8.5

Prediction: Michigan State had a nice showing at Indiana, but the Spartans tend to play to their level of competition, so I expect this game to be somewhat close throughout. Illinois can be a dangerous team if they get hot from behind the arc, but I don’t think that will be the case at the Breslin Center. Look for Keith Appling to have a big game after his struggles at Indiana. He will lead MSU to the victory. Michigan State 66, Illinois 59

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