Michigan made a Big Ten title clash look routine on Friday night, walking out of State Farm Center with a trophy and a 14-point win over Illinois.
“They took the belt off and beat our behinds with it,” Brad Underwood said after the game.
The Wolverines have done that to more than a few good teams this year, and that’s why they are en route to completing one of the best Big Ten seasons in recent history.
Michigan sits at 27-2 (17-1 Big Ten) and clinched the outright title before the calendar even turned to March. With two more wins, the Wolverines could complete a Big Ten road sweep and the best finish in the 20-game Big Ten era. The last two teams to finish with one Big Ten loss were 2006-07 Ohio State and 2004-05 Illinois. No team has won 18 league games in a 20-game season.
Here are Five Takeaways from the clinching victory featuring Yaxel Lendeborg, rebounding, defense and a unique accomplishment for Will Tschetter.
1. Michigan has the best frontcourt in the country
Dusty May won’t outright say it, but proof is there for all to see: Michigan has the best frontcourt in college basketball.
“I’m not saying we have the best (frontcourt) because I have a lot of respect for some other front lines, but we have as good a front line as there is playing in college basketball,” May said in his post-game presser.
Morez Johnson Jr. set the tone in the first half, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Aday Mara scored 19 points, hauled in five boards, and blocked a pair of shots, with most of his scoring coming in the second half. Yaxel Lendeborg added 16 points, 7 rebounds, and four assists, unlocking the game on offense and defense.
As impressive as Michigan’s bigs are for their physical talents and imposing presence on the court, their ability to play together is what sets them apart.
Mara’s two assists were to Johnson and Lendeborg; Lendeborg had assists to Mara and Johnson; Johnson set a key screen to help deliver Mara’s highlight lob dunk. This group of three bigs that pundits swore couldn’t even play together is thriving, mostly because they complement each other so well.
That’s a testament to their understanding, feel, and IQ, as well as to the vision May and his staff set last spring.
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