The Wolverines’ rebounding issues were on full display on Sunday, as Illinois rebounded 49 percent of its missed shots and snagged 19 offensive boards. Simply put, Michigan must improve in this area quickly as postseason play nears:
A poor rebounding performance was the biggest reason why the Michigan Wolverines stumbled in a 93-73 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini on Sunday afternoon at Crisler Center. Michigan allowed 30 second-chance points and 19 offensive rebounds — Illinois rebounded 49 percent of its total missed shots.
“We were on our heels and our communication wasn’t great,” head coach Dusty May said. “Even when we did block out, they were able to get it back. We just don’t have any margin for the rebounds we missed and we weren’t aggressive enough.”
Even when the Wolverines were in the right position, they were still giving up offensive rebounds because Illinois played with superior effort, energy and toughness. Simply put, Michigan was outmuscled and overpowered on the glass all game long.
May also mentioned how much physicality, size and strength Illinois possesses. However, the Wolverines have just as much size — especially with two 7-footers in the lineup — so the problem could be a lack of physicality. If that’s the case, Michigan must play with more toughness moving forward.
Dusty May discussed the #Wolverines rebounding woes that played a major role in a disappointing 93-73 loss to Illinois.
“We were on our heels and our communication wasn’t great. Even when we did block out, they were able to get it back.”https://t.co/XlWb8PbXLO pic.twitter.com/FTHn4Tp257
— Chas Post (@chas_post23) March 3, 2025
“They were extremely quick and aggressive. We knew they would send five to the glass because they do it every game, but they were able to get it back and toss it out,” May said. “If you look at their lineup, they are big, strong and physical guys.”
Despite having a size advantage against most opponents, the Wolverines have been a mediocre rebounding team this season. They allow 9.4 offensive rebounds per game, which ranks 278th in the country and second-worst in the Big Ten.
Michigan couldn’t afford to give up extra possessions, but that’s exactly what happened on Sunday. With the postseason on the horizon, it’s paramount the Wolverines improve their rebounding on both ends of the floor.
“We didn’t execute the game plan, it was super lackadaisical by us,” Will Tschetter said. “No excuses, but we weren’t ready to play. It was a lack of attention to detail. It makes it easy for them when we give up that many offensive rebounds.”
Illinois aggressively crashed the offensive glass with 4 players on *every shot,* rebounding 49% of its misses.
It wasn’t usually Illinois’ size — but rather their speed — that allowed them to get around Michigan’s guards & wings and totally dominate the boards pic.twitter.com/Q6ZbDTsAmz
— Eric Shapiro (@eric_shap) March 3, 2025
Defensive rebounding issues proved to be a significant factor in the Wolverines’ worst home loss of the season, as Illinois capitalized on nearly half its missed shots by extending possessions and creating more scoring opportunities.
“It was something we knew they were going to do. They did a great job of creating extra possessions,” Vlad Goldin said. “That’s what they do best and it’s hard because it takes discipline. Unfortunately, we weren’t disciplined enough.”
Michigan’s inability to box out at a high level and keep opponents off the offensive glass has been a concern for most of the season. If left uncorrected, it could cost Michigan games in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.
In order to get back into the Big Ten regular season title race — a 2-0 week against Maryland and MSU is necessary — the Wolverines must increase their level of intensity and toughness. That starts by keeping the opponents off the glass.