Champaign, Ill. — Of all the Big Ten teams, there’s one hurdle Michigan coach Juwan Howard hasn’t been able to clear: Illinois.
That familiar obstacle proved to be a roadblock in the Wolverines’ postseason path on Thursday.
After rallying from a seven-point deficit late in regulation and squandering a seven-point lead in overtime, Michigan saw its three-game winning streak come to an end with a 91-87 double overtime loss to Illinois at State Farm Center.
Junior center Hunter Dickinson had 31 points and 16 rebounds and sophomore guard Kobe Bufkin scored 23 for Michigan (17-13, 11-8 Big Ten), which fell to 0-6 against Illinois during Howard’s tenure and into a crowded tie for second place in the conference standings.