Michigan basketball must beat Illinois on Sunday to keep pace with the Spartans at the top of the Big Ten.

When Michigan State basketball won in epic fashion on Wednesday in Maryland thanks to crazy buzzer-beater halfcourt shot, it didn't seem like the Big Ten title race could get any crazier. Then Michigan-Rutgers happened.

The Wolverines were on the ropes and on the verge of giving their rival a serious upper hand in the race for the regular season crown until Nimari Burnett pulled some own magic out of his hat.

Burnett, who is one of just two holdovers from last year's Michigan team who gets minutes, delivered with a buzzer-beater from way downtown to save the day for Michigan.

It was Michigan's ninth win in their last 11 games, with all nine wins coming by four points or less.

The Wolverines will put their late-game magic to the test on Sunday when hosting an Illinois squad that has struggled in the second half of the year, but is coming off a huge win over Iowa.

Illinois lost at home to the Spartans, 79-65, then got absolutely spanked by Wisconsin and Duke before rebounding with a 81-61 win over Iowa.

The advanced analytics really like Illinois, despite them limping to the finish line a bit, but a win over the Wolverines would go a long way in helping them feel good about their NCAA tournament seeding. The teams will tip off at 3:45 p.m. ET at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor.

ESPN's Joe Lunardi has Illinois slotted as an 8-seed and the Wolverines as a 4-seed, with both surely hoping to improve their positioning before the Big Dance.

Michigan basketball vs Illinois live updates

Michigan State just keeps on winning and the pressure is still on Michigan to keep delivering. The Spartans won their fifth straight game on Sunday, beating Wisconsin 71-62 to maintain their lead at the top of the Big Ten standings.

Michigan and Michigan State will meet in the final game of the regular season on March 9 with a noon tipoff on CBS.

Michigan basketball vs Illinois score updates

This section will be updated at tip-off .

What channel is Michigan basketball vs Illinois on today?

CBS will televise Sunday's Big Ten basketball game between Michigan vs. Illinois in Ann Arbor. Streaming options for the game include Paramount+ and Fubo , the latter of which carries CBS and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Michigan vs Illinois time today

Michigan and Illinois are scheduled to tip off at 3:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 2 from the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michigan basketball vs Illinois history

The Wolverines will be looking for their first win over the Illini in six years, as Illinois has ripped off eight wins in a row dating back to 2019. Illinois also holds a 10 game all-time lead in the series, but is just 33-52 in road games vs. Michigan.

Michigan vs. Illinois betting odds

Michigan basketball schedule 2024-25

Here's a look at Michigan's last five results. To view the Spartans' full 2024-25 schedule, click here .

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