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Michigan claims Big Ten title with win over Illinois
Morez Johnson Jr. leads Wolverines to 84-70 victory over former team
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 10 Illinois 84-70 on Friday night to clinch the Big Ten regular-season title. Morez Johnson Jr., who played for Illinois last season, had 19 points and 11 rebounds against his former team. Aday Mara also scored 19 points for the Wolverines, who are 10-0 on the road this season and have won 23 games by 10 or more points.
Why it matters
Michigan's win marks the first time they have won the Big Ten regular-season title outright since 2014. The Wolverines have been one of the top teams in the conference all season, while Illinois has struggled with inconsistency, losing four of their last six games.
The details
Michigan led 38-31 at halftime and never trailed in the second half, leading by as many as 21 points. The Wolverines shot 8-for-9 from the field, including 3-for-3 from 3-point range, while Illinois struggled from beyond the arc, making just 9-of-29 attempts.
- The game was played on Friday, February 28, 2026.
The players
Morez Johnson Jr.
A former Illinois player who had 19 points and 11 rebounds against his former team.
Aday Mara
A Michigan player who scored 19 points on 8-for-9 shooting.
Yaxel Lendeberg
A Michigan player who finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Keaton Wagler
An Illinois player who scored 23 points.
Kylan Boswell
An Illinois player who scored 15 points.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
Michigan's dominant performance and first outright Big Ten title since 2014 solidifies their status as one of the top teams in the conference and a contender for a deep NCAA Tournament run.
