The Illini slowed the Spartans' fastbreak, but they also had their own best player brought to a screeching halt early

The Spartans' win over Illinois bought breathing room against one of the Big Ten's most dangerous title contenders.

After going down early, Michigan State basketball survived a nail-biter vs. Illinois to stay undefeated and alone at the top if the Big Ten.

The most significant matchup of the early Big Ten season also proved to be its best, as No. 12 Michigan State outdueled, outlasted or maybe just survived a slugfest with No. 19 Illinois, hanging on for an 80-78 win Sunday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

After the game, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood, who is a great friend of Tom Izzo’s, spoke to the media about the game. As always, he was complimentary of Izzo and his squad, but also frustrated about the fouls called on his star point guard Kasparas Jakucionis.

Michigan State takes down Illinois, Rutgers gets two victories and Purdue's win streak extends to seven games. How it all impacts the Big Ten power rankings.

After going down early, Michigan State basketball survived a nail-biter vs. Illinois to stay undefeated and alone at the top if the Big Ten.