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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Having just led his ranked team to a 74-64 win against Illinois, Michigan coach John Beilein was posed a question.

If he had a vote, would he put Illinois in the Top 25?

"If you just look at their numbers right now – and the Purdue win at Purdue – I would say yes," Beilein said.

The Illini will learn when the poll is released today if the 72 voters with Associated Press ballots agree.

No. 23 Michigan didn't do the unranked Illini any favors by whizzing past and shooting over Illinois' porous defense Sunday. But a win at No. 9 Purdue on Tuesday gives the Illini a fighting chance of returning to the Top 25 for the first time since March 6, 2006.

"I hope so," UI coach Bruce Weber said after Illinois (13-2, 1-1 Big Ten) dropped its fourth straight at Crisler Arena. "But we'll see what happens. You've got to earn it. We'll see.

"The most important thing is we've got to get better and get ready for Indiana next Saturday (at the Assembly Hall)."

Before the Purdue game, Weber said the Illini would find out how good they are. So they're pretty good, by that standard. Then he told the players before the Michigan game, "We're going to find out if we're special."

"We're not special yet," Weber added.

"I think we all know we have the ability to be a special team," junior Dominique Keller said. "We can be a special team, but there's a lot of work ahead of us."

Michigan needed Sunday's game more than Illinois. Michigan (11-3, 1-1) was coming off a home loss to Wisconsin and badly needed to hold serve; Illinois was playing with house money, having stolen a win at Purdue.

"Homecourt, homecourt, homecourt," Beilein said of arguably the most important factor in the Big Ten race. "Because it's so tough to win on the road, homecourt."

Homecoming king Alex Legion, a Detroit-area product who once signed a letter of intent with Michigan, was treated like Public Enemy No. 1. He scored 10 points and was taunted ("Bum! Bum! Bum!") when he checked in.

"I still think we're special. We're 13-2. It's another loss that we have," Legion said.

In last week's AP Top 25 poll, Illinois unofficially was No. 28. Three teams ranked from No. 19 to 25 sustained losses since then, though one of those was Michigan, so Illinois' ranking status is a precarious one.

"As the games go on, I can see this team really jelling," said Annette Legion, Alex's mom, who was in attendance Sunday. "I just see that."

GAME 15 RECAP

What happened: Illinois coach Bruce Weber said “maybe there was a little fatigue” down the stretch, and it showed. Michigan turned a 62-62 tie into a much-needed win, and Illinois lost its fourth straight at Crisler Arena. The UI seniors will exit the program without a win there.

What It means: The UI split a two-game road swing to start the Big Ten season. And, really, that’s not too shabby. Only Wisconsin and Michigan State finished the first week of league play with 2-0 records. Oh, and Alex Legion won’t run for office in Michigan any time soon.

What the Illini said: “In all the close games (this season), we executed pretty well. Today we didn’t.” — coach Bruce Weber

What the Wolverines said: “When they came in (to Crisler Arena), they were pretty excited about playing this game.” — coach John Beilein on his players

What’s next: Indiana comes to the Assembly Hall on Saturday, in what should offer a stark contrast to its visit last season. A public enemy (Eric Gordon) is replaced by a hometown product (Verdell Jones III), and there still are tickets available.

pklee@news-gazette.com