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Michigan State Basketball: 3 things we learned from loss to Illinois

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) attempts a free throw during the first half of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) attempts a free throw during the first half of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball lost a tough one to Illinois on Wednesday night, but what did we learn from the defeat?

Another tough loss for the Spartans on Wednesday night has dropped their overall record on the year to 18-12 and 10-7 in the Big Ten. While that may seem like the end of the NCAA Tournament hopes in any other year, this year’s field is as weak as it’s ever been.

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Illinois out-played the Spartans from nearly all areas of the game, making 11 3-pointers and turning the ball over just seven times to the Spartans’ 15. The Fighting Illini also took advantage of the turnovers, scoring 17 points to Michigan State’s eight off Illinois turnovers.

Here’s what we learned from the Spartans’ loss to Illinois on Wednesday night.

1. Michigan State goes as Nick Ward goes

Just like on Sunday against Wisconsin, the Spartans were playing well when Nick Ward was playing well. That was the case on Wednesday against Illinois as well. Michigan State took an early lead when Ward was in and putting up some early points on free throws and layups. However, he didn’t play much in crunch time and that’s when the Spartans seemingly couldn’t overcome a four-point deficit.

2. Spartans totally different on the road

This isn’t much of a surprise. Michigan State has lost all but two Big Ten road games this season, beating only Minnesota and Nebraska away from the Breslin Center. Playing against Illinois in Champaign is always a tough test for Michigan State, but the Spartans looked completely frazzled in the first half on Wednesday. They also got out to a hot start in the second half before allowing Illinois to gain confidence back in front of its home crowd. Michigan State needs a far better performance Saturday.

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3. Not a lock for the tourney just yet

As much as fans don’t want to think about missing the tournament next week, it’s still very possible. Unlike in years past, this team has some work to do in order to make it to the Big Dance, including either winning at Maryland Saturday or taking one in the Big Ten Tournament. If the Spartans lose out, they’d be 18-14 heading into Selection Sunday — an uncomfortable feeling, to say the very least.

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