Dusty Mai shares a hilarious moment with the players after the win over Illinois

Dusty Mai and number 3 The Michigan Wolverines went viral for their expressions after the game following their 84-70 win over no. 10 Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday night.

May is in his eighth season as a head coach, his second with the Wolverines. He enjoyed his best regular season yet, having the program in the conversation with serious national championship contenders.

Michigan has racked up multiple ranked wins, and its win over Illinois was no different. Not only that, but the Wolverines also clinched the Big Ten regular season title with two games to spare.

Detachment celebrated the victory after the game, but May and his players drew attention with their expressions during a broadcast interview on FOX. This was especially the case for May, who put on a poker face as the interviewer asked his players questions.

“We made some shots, which helped our spacing and spread them out a little bit. But what an amazing group to work with every day,” May said after the game.

Dusty Mai and the Wolverines are something else 😂 @umichbball pic.twitter.com/5abG4bvO36

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOKS) February 28, 2026

How Michigan’s Dusty May performed against Illinois

Dusty May and No. 3 Michigan continue to rank as one of the top teams in the country, knocking off No. 10 Illinois.

Three players scored in double figures for Michigan. Adai Mara led the way with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. He shot 8-of-9 from the field and 3-of-3 from the free throw line. It’s Morez Johnson Jr.’s turn with 19 points and 11 rebounds, Jaksel Landeborg had 16 points and seven rebounds, while AJ Cason recorded nine points and two assists.

Michigan improved to 27-2 overall on the season, going 17-1 in Big Ten matches. They control the top spot in the conference standings, above the Michigan State Spartans and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The No. 3 Wolverines will look forward to the final two matches of conference play. They are first on the road when they take on the Iowa Hokies on March 5 at 8:00 PM ET before hosting the #13 Michigan State Spartans on March 8 at 4:30 PM ET.