CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Zavier Simpson scored 16 points, Ignas Brazdeikis had 15 and No. 2 Michigan beat Illinois 79-69 on Thursday night to improve to 16-0.
Michigan (4-0 Big Ten) and Virginia are the only unbeaten teams in the country. The Wolverines jumped to a 7-0 lead and easily held off the overmatched Illinois (4-12, 0-5).
Charles Matthews added 14 points for the Wolverines, and Jon Teske had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Ayo Dosunmu scored 23 points for Illinois. Giorgi Bezhanishvili added 15, and Trent Frazier had 13.
Michigan led 39-34 at the half. Illinois pulled within five points at 49-44 with 13:30 left on Aaron Jordan's 3- pointer, but it was the closest the Illini could come, thanks to Michigan's offense and smothering defense.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood drew a technical foul late in the first half when he became angry protesting a possession call and threw his suit jacket into the crowd. Illinois responded with two 3-pointers by Dosunmu to close the half.
BIG PICTURE
Michigan is tied with Michigan State for the Big Ten lead.
Illinois continues its woes against top teams, going 0-14 overall against Top 25 teams. The Illini's last win over a top team was a 68-66 victory over then-No. 20 Iowa on March 10, 2016.
UP NEXT
Michigan: Hosts Northwestern on Sunday.
Illinois: Hosts Minnesota on Wednesday night.
