2/28/2026 | USA | sports | ✓ Verified - abcnews.com

No. 3 Michigan claims Big Ten regular-season title with an 84-70 win over No. 10 Illinois

#Michigan #Illinois #Big Ten #College Basketball #Morez Johnson Jr. #Keaton Wagler #Regular Season Title #Championship #Champaign #Basketball

📌 Key Takeaways

Michigan won the Big Ten regular-season title with an 84-70 victory over Illinois.
Morez Johnson Jr., playing against his former team, had 19 points and 11 rebounds for Michigan.
This is Michigan's first outright conference regular-season title since 2014 and their most conference wins in school history (17).
Illinois' Keaton Wagler scored 23 points for the Illini, but they lost their fourth game in six.
Michigan led at halftime (38-31) and responded to a second-half deficit with an 11-point run.

📖 Full Retelling

Morez Johnson Jr. had 19 points and 11 rebounds as No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 10 Illinois 84-70 on Friday night, claiming the Big Ten regular-season title in Champaign, Ill. Johnson, a former Illinois player, was booed by the home crowd. Michigan (27-2, 17-1) secured their first outright conference regular-season title since 2014 and their 17th conference victory, the most in school history. Keaton Wagler led Illinois (22-7, 13-5) with 23 points, but the Illini lost their fourth game in six, including three in overtime. The Wolverines led at halftime 38-31 and responded to a second-half deficit with an 11-point run, ultimately leading by as many as 21 points. This victory broke a nine-game losing streak against Illinois.

🏷️ Themes

College Basketball, Big Ten Conference, Regular Season Championship, Team Rivalry, Player Performance

📚 Related People & Topics

Big Ten Conference

American collegiate athletics conference

The Big Ten Conference (formerly the Western Conference and the Big Nine Conference, among others) is a U.S. collegiate athletic conference. Founded as the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives in 1896, it predates the founding of its regulating organization, the NCAA; it is the olde...

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

Michigan's victory secures them the Big Ten regular-season title, a significant achievement given their historical struggles against Illinois and their dominance in conference play this season. This win solidifies their position as a top contender for the NCAA tournament and demonstrates their consistent performance throughout the year.

Context & Background

Michigan has historically struggled to win the Big Ten regular-season title.
Illinois is a traditionally strong program in the Big Ten conference.
This is Michigan's first outright conference regular-season title since 2014.

What Happens Next

Michigan will play Iowa on Thursday, continuing their season with a focus on maintaining their ranking and preparing for the NCAA tournament. Illinois will host Oregon on Tuesday, aiming to improve their standing as they head towards the postseason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was a key player for Michigan in this game?

Morez Johnson Jr. had 19 points and 11 rebounds.

What is Michigan's current record?

Michigan's current record is 27-2, with a 17-1 conference record.

How does this win compare to previous Michigan Big Ten titles?

This is Michigan's first outright regular-season title since 2014, when they also won with a win at Illinois.

What was the significance of Illinois fans booing Morez Johnson Jr.?

Johnson previously played for Illinois last season and was booed by fans due to his switch to Michigan.

Original Source

              No. 3 Michigan claims Big Ten regular-season title with an 84-70 win over No. 10 Illinois Morez Johnson Jr. had 19 points and 11 rebounds against his former team as No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 10 Illinois 84-70 and clinched the Big Ten regular-season title By STEVE STEIN Associated Press February 27, 2026, 11:05 PM CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Morez Johnson Jr. had 19 points and 11 rebounds against his former team as No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 10 Illinois 84-70 on Friday night and clinched the Big Ten regular-season title. Johnson, who played for the Illini last season after verbally committing three years earlier, was booed throughout the game by Illinois fans. Aday Mara had 19 points on 8-for-9 shooting and Yaxel Lendeberg finished with 16 points and seven rebounds for the Wolverines (27-2, 17-1), who are 10-0 on the road and have won 23 games by 10 or more points. The Wolverines won their first outright conference regular-season title since 2014, when they also clinched with a win at Illinois. Michigan's 17 conference victories are the most in school history. Keaton Wagler scored 23 points for the Illini (22-7, 13-5), who have lost four of six, including three in overtime. Wagler scored in double figures for the 21st straight game. Kylan Boswell scored 15 points and David Mirkovic had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Illini, who entered the game as the Big Ten's top 3-point shooting team. Illinois was just 9 of 29 from distance against Michigan. Michigan led 38-31 at halftime behind Johnson's 13 points. Popular Reads Hillary Clinton after Epstein deposition says she was asked about UFOs, 'Pizzagate' Feb 26, 8:18 PM Cuba says 4 killed on Florida-registered speedboat were attempting 'infiltration' Feb 25, 8:26 PM Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 21, 5:31 PM Down 16-11 after a four-point play by Wagler, the Wolverines responded with an 11-point run capped by a 3 by Johnson and never trailed again. They led by as many a...
            

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