CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois women’s basketball team wrapped up their regular season with a frustrating 89-71 loss to No. 16 Michigan on Sunday afternoon at the State Farm Center. The Wolverines erased a three-point deficit heading into the final quarter with a dominant 30-18 performance, securing the victory in the Big Ten finale.
Illinois led by six points, 65-59, with just over three minutes left in the game, but Illini only managed to score four more points in the final 3:43, a struggle that has plagued the team throughout the season. A combination of fouls, missed opportunities, and a lack of offensive consistency sealed their fate.
As Illinois heads into the Big Ten Tournament, the loss to Michigan drops them to the No. 7 seed, where they are set to face the winner of the No. 10 vs. No. 15 game. Likely opponents include Nebraska and Rutgers, teams the Illini have beaten earlier this season. If Illinois can advance past the second round, they will face the No. 2 seed, UCLA, a national title contender that defeated the Illini by 15 points just a week ago.
Despite the tough finish to the regular season, Illinois is still poised to make a run in the postseason. The Illini will take the floor next on Thursday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. in the Big Ten Tournament.