Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, March 12, 2015

CHICAGO — John Beilein still hasn't lost an opening game in a Big Ten tournament. Beilein and No. 9 Michigan rolled past No. 8 Illinois, 73-55, on Thursday at the United Center.

The Wolverines advance to play No. 1 Wisconsin, which it lost to in overtime in the lone meeting this season, at noon ET Friday.

Get BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart's rapid reaction to Michigan's win below.

Star player: Michigan?s Aubrey Dawkins continued his recent tear. Entering the game fresh off 21- and 31-point efforts, both career highs, the freshman hit 8-of-12 shots (2-of-5 from 3-point range) for a game-high 18 points. He added three rebounds and two steals.

Top stat: Michigan was sizzling from 3-point range, hitting 7-of-15 shots (46 percent). Spike Albrecht, Zak Irvin and Aubrey Dawkins each drained two.

Best stat line: Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman hit 6-of-12 shots en route to a 15-point effort. The freshman also had eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Best all-around effort on the court.

Top dunk: Late in the first half, Zak Irvin lobbed a pass to Aubrey Dawkins, who threw down a rim-rattling jam.

Top play: It has to be Spike Albrecht's ridiculous no-look, behind-the-head pass to Aubrey Dawkins, who flushed it home.

It was over when: The game was tied, 19-19, with 7:19 left in the first half. That?s when Michigan went on a 21-4 run to close the half and take a 40-23 lead. The Wolverines shot 47 percent, led by Dawkins 12. Illinois shot 31. Michigan cruised from there, taking an easy 73-55 win vs. a Fighting Illini squad that was fighting for an NCAA bid. Now, Illinois looks destined for the NIT.

Notable: Illinois finishes by going 2-5 down the stretch. ? Abdur-Rahkman and Dawkins (both freshmen): 33… Illinois starters: 36. ? Michigan will play No. 1 Wisconsin on Friday. The Badgers won the lone meeting, taking an overtime decision in Ann Arbor.

About Tom Dienhart BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section.

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