Michigan 71, Illinois 58: 'They punked us'
February 25, 2013 9:07 AM
"I'm gonna keep this real simple for you, they were smarter and tougher than us in the second half, that was the difference in the game," Illinois coach John Groce said.
Michigan (23-4, 10-4 Big Ten), completing a season's sweep of the Illini, outscored them 43-27 in the final 20 minutes. Mental miscues -- 13 turnovers led to 27 Michigan points -- led to the Illini's Big Ten-best five-game win streak coming to a halt.
"It's real disappointing, they came out more aggressive in the second half. They made a run and we didn't really respond," said D.J. Richardson, who along with Tracy Abrams and Brandon Paul led the Illini with 10 points. "We knew they were going to make a run in the second half, not knowing they were going to be smarter and tougher than us in the second half."
Marcus Jackson
Michigan (23-4, 10-4 Big Ten), completing a season's sweep of the Illini, outscored them 43-27 in the final 20 minutes. Mental miscues -- 13 turnovers led to 27 Michigan points -- led to the Illini's Big Ten-best five-game win streak coming to a halt.
"It's real disappointing, they came out more aggressive in the second half. They made a run and we didn't really respond," said D.J. Richardson, who along with Tracy Abrams and Brandon Paul led the Illini with 10 points. "We knew they were going to make a run in the second half, not knowing they were going to be smarter and tougher than us in the second half."
Marcus Jackson
Filed under: Illini Basketball, Michigan Wolverines
