The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans outlasted the No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini 80-78 at the Breslin Center on Sunday. The Spartans collected their first ranke

The Michigan State Spartans earned another massive win as they took down the Illinois Fighting Illini at home on Sunday afternoon. One key aspect to their performance was a significant reason why they are still undefeated in Big Ten play.

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

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - No. 12 Michigan State men’s basketball battled to the very end with No. 19 Illinois, but it was the Spartans coming out on top with an 80-78 victory. MSU picks up its 11th straight victory and improves to 7-0 in conference play.

Adalia McKenzie drives on Michigan State guard Jocelyn Tate during Sunday afternoon’s game at State Farm Center in Champaign. Sports Copy Editor Adalia McKenzie drives on Michigan State guard Jocelyn Tate during Sunday afternoon’s game at State Farm Center in Champaign.

Stopping freshman phenom Kasparas Jakučionis is the biggest mission for No. 12 Michigan State basketball against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday.

The Spartans' 7-0 start in Big Ten play is their best since the 2018-19 season when they last played in the Final Four.

No. 12 Michigan State was triumphant in its top-20 matchup with No. 19 Illinois on Sunday, defeating the Fighting Illini, 80-78. Our Aidan Champion recaps the contest on this episode of the Michigan State Insider Podcast.

You know how Illinois limited its turnovers during its first win at Indiana in 13 years on Thursday night? On Sunday afternoon, not so much. Fourteen first-half turnovers as Michigan State pressed the Illini the length of the court were a big problem.

Sunday's Big Ten slate includes the Michigan State Spartans (15-2, 6-0 Big Ten) meeting the Illinois Fighting Illini (13-4, 5-2 Big Ten) at 12:00 PM ET on CBS. Advertisement Article continues ...

They have also caught the attention of Tom Izzo, the head coach of their next opponent, the No. 12 Michigan State Spartans. "Right now, from what I saw the last two times I watched Illinois ...

Two marquee matchups headlined the week: Michigan State vs. Illinois (Jan. 19) and Purdue vs. Oregon (Jan. 18). The Spartans and Boilermakers’ respective victories firmly establish them as the Big Ten’s top two teams at this stage of the season.