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Michigan Wolverines Clinch Outright Big Ten Title with Win Over Illinois
Head coach Dusty May and players Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg recap the victory.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 84-70 on the road on Friday night to clinch the outright Big Ten regular season championship. Michigan head coach Dusty May, along with players Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg, spoke after the game about the team's performance and their journey to the title.
Why it matters
Winning the Big Ten regular season title is a significant accomplishment for the Michigan Wolverines, as the Big Ten is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. This victory cements Michigan's status as one of the top teams in the nation and sets them up well for the upcoming postseason tournaments.
The details
The Wolverines were able to secure the victory in a hostile environment against a talented Illinois team that is well-coached. Michigan's coaching staff felt the team had the potential to accomplish big things this season, and the players have grown up and come together as a group to make that a reality.
- The game was played on Friday, February 28, 2026.
The players
Dusty May
The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.
Morez Johnson Jr.
A player for the Michigan Wolverines who is a former Illinois Fighting Illini standout.
Yaxel Lendeborg
A player for the Michigan Wolverines.
What they’re saying
“Extremely hostile environment against a very, very talented basketball team that's well coached. We got better by scouting and by preparing for them, and by watching them this year. That's a good group, and I wouldn't be surprised if we continue to play well if we didn't see them one or two more times down the line.”
— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines (on3.com)
“We felt when we met as a group, the first time we saw the team together, we felt like this was the most talented team that our staff collectively had ever been around. And some of us have been high majors, mid-majors, low majors. I've been a little bit everywhere. Coach Boyton, Coach Joyner, everybody has been a part of winning teams, and we felt like this team had the highest upside or most potential of any group.”
— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines (on3.com)
What’s next
The Michigan Wolverines will now turn their attention to the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to continue their successful season and compete for a national championship.
The takeaway
The Michigan Wolverines' victory over Illinois to clinch the outright Big Ten regular season title is a testament to the team's talent, hard work, and dedication. The Wolverines have proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the country and will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming postseason tournaments.
