The Illini center wasn't at his best but nevertheless came through on Sunday despite suffering from strep throat

Tom Izzo managed to beat his old friend Brad Underwood on Sunday as Michigan State basketball held on to beat Illinois at home. It was a tough, grind-it-out win over Illinois as the Spartans struggled to hit shots, but they did outperform Illinois at the free throw line and that was ultimately the difference.

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

No. 12 Michigan State got the test that many were waiting for when it hosted No. 19 Illinois on Sunday afternoon. The Spartans passed the

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

Columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on MSU's performance in an 80-78 win over Illinois on Sunday afternoon with three quick takes.

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.

As long as Tom Izzo is the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, they’re not a team that should be overlooked.

Tom Izzo sees No. 12 Michigan State basketball getting tougher after beating No. 20 Illinois on Sunday, but also knows so will the Spartans' schedule.