ncaab Game Recap
Michigan vs Illinois Final: 79-69 - Recap
Michigan got 16 points from Xavier Simpson as they ran past Illinois 79-69 on Thursday at State Farm Center.
Bettors who backed Michigan were also rewarded, as they covered the closing number as a favorite of -8.5 at sportsbooks.
Michigan got 15 points from Ignas Brazdeikis and another 14 points from Charles Matthews. Xavier Simpson contributed 8 assists, while Jon Teske cleaned the glass with 11 rebounds.
Illinois got a 23-point performance from Ayo Dosunmu, who was supported by 15 points from Giorgi Bezhanishvili. Kipper Nichols had 4 assists in a losing cause for Illinois, while Ayo Dosunmu grabbed 7 rebounds.
First-half bettors who backed Michigan were victorious, as the score was 39-35 at the break.
The rebound battle favored Michigan as they grabbed 34 boards, while Illinois only had 24
Michigan heads into a battle against Northwestern. Illinois, meanwhile, will have their next action against Minnesota.