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 [March 03, 2023]
Matthew Mayer scored seven of his 24 points during the second
overtime as Illinois claimed a 91-87 victory over Michigan on
Thursday night in Champaign, Ill.
The result clinched the Big Ten regular-season title for Purdue,
which has a 13-5 league mark. Six Big Ten teams, including Michigan
and Illinois, are now tied for second place with 11-8 records -- and
Michigan State is a half-step behind at 10-8.
Terrence Shannon Jr., pressed into point guard duties due to starter
Jayden Epps' concussion, produced 10 of his 22 points during the
overtimes as Illinois (20-10, 11-8) rallied from a seven-point
deficit late in the first OT.
Junior 7-footer Hunter Dickinson produced 31 points -- two shy of
his personal best -- and a career-high 16 rebounds to pace Michigan
(17-13, 11-8), which scored the final seven points of regulation to
force extra time.
Kobe Bufkin notched 23 points for the Wolverines.
Freshman Ty Rodgers provided a career-high 14 points for Illinois
and RJ Melendez added 12.
Though Michigan led for most of the first half, Illinois claimed a
33-31 halftime edge when Rodgers stuffed home Shannon's missed layup
in the waning seconds.
Hawkins wore out the same path to the basket for two dunks as part
of a 9-0 run that gave Illinois a 50-41 lead with 13:25 left.
As Illinois' Orange Krush student section celebrated by chanting
"N-I-T" at the visitors, Michigan responded by putting the ball in
Bufkin's hands. He sank two free throws, then swished back-to-back
3-pointers to cap a 10-0 spree that gave the Wolverines a 57-56 edge
with 7:46 left.
[to top of second column] |
Mar 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA;
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) looks for
the call as he drives the ball against Michigan Wolverines guard
Kobe Bufkin (2) during the first half at State Farm Center.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mayer reclaimed the lead for Illinois by banking a runner over
Dickinson's fingertips and cashing all 3 free throws after a foul on
the perimeter.
Illinois extended its lead to 70-63 on two Shannon free throws with
2:35 left, but Michigan rallied to tie on Jett Howard's 3-pointer
with 47 seconds to go. The Wolverines had a chance to win at the end
of regulation, but Dickinson's 5-foot flip in the lane was
challenged by two Illini.
Dickinson scored six points to stake Michigan to an 81-74 lead in
the first overtime, but Shannon drove for a three-point play, drove
to set up a Rodgers layup and drove for a short leaner with 26
seconds left to make it 81-81.
Mayer canned a 3-pointer on the first possession of the second
overtime and Michigan never caught up, though Dickinson missed a
free throw that would have forged an 88-88 tie with 40 seconds to
go.
--Field Level Media
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