INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in weeks, the Michigan men’s basketball team’s outcome didn’t have obvious implications on their NCAA Tournament hopes.

After Michigan destroyed Iowa Thursday, Michigan sophomore Manny Harris knew the pressure was gone.

“I think there’s a relief for our team,” Harris said. “Like, we (are) kind of in there. So it takes a lot of pressure off us.”

But in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, the No. 7 seed Michigan that beat the Hawkeyes by nearly 30 points didn’t show up until late in the second half. It was too little too late, and the Wolverines fell to second-seeded Illinois, 60-50.

Although Michigan (9-9 Big Ten, 20-13 overall) won’t officially know its Tournament fate until 6 p.m. Sunday when CBS airs its Selection Show, the defeat won’t likely bounce the Wolverines from the Tournament.

Before the game, they were projected to be a No. 10 seed by multiple sources, including ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi. Coupled with Illinois being a lock for the Tournament and multiple bubble teams losing early in their respective conference tournaments (Virginia Tech, Miami (FL.), Arizona and Providence), Michigan should be in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998. The loss will likely impact Michigan’s seed, however.

The second half was a story of two runs. Illinois (11-7, 24-8) came out of the locker room up one, but thanks to a 25-7 run, the Illini led by 20 midway through the half. Down 54-34, Michigan finally found its touch and went on a quick 13-0 run of its own.

But forward Mike Davis broke Illini's shooting drought with a jumper from the right baseline. He led Illinois with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Trent Meacham had 10 points, four rebounds and five assists. Davis shot 11-of-19 from the field, and it seemed like he scored every time he touched the ball.

After scoring the first 14 points of Thursday’s game and finishing with 27, Michigan junior forward DeShawn Sims struggled from the field all game Friday (6-for-19), missing easy layups and open jumpers, especially in the first half (2-for-10). Sims and sophomore Manny Harris combined to score just 24 after scoring 45 Thursday night.

Despite the rough outing, the Wolverines were led by Sims (15 points, eight rebounds) and Zack Novak (10 points, seven rebounds), who might have broken his own record for floor burns in a game.

The Illini were without senior point guard Chester Frazier, who injured his right hand in practice Wednesday and had a minor operation on it Thursday. In two games against Michigan this season, Frazier had a combined six points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Sunday at 6 p.m., Michigan will know its postseason plans. Although the Wolverines are in good shape to get an at-large bid, this loss won’t make the wait easy.

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For more coverage of Michigan basketball, read the Daily's Tournament seed projects. And check back with the Daily on Selection Sunday for more Tournament coverage.