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Michigan State Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. Illinois in Week 16

By Connor Muldowney

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks the ball against Leron Black #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on January 22, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks the ball against Leron Black #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at State Farm Center on January 22, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Tuesday night’s Michigan State basketball game could decide the Spartans’ Big Ten title hopes. Can they hold off Illinois?

Michigan State is just one victory away from clinching at least a share of the Big Ten title. Two wins and the Spartans will be outright champs for the first time since 2009. On Tuesday night, Illinois will be standing in the Spartans’ way.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for February

Illinois (13-15, 3-12 Big Ten) is coming off its best win in Big Ten play. In fact, the Illini beat a tough Nebraska team in Champaign and the Cornhuskers needed that victory to set itself up for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Illini’s three Big Ten wins this season have all come at home.

The Spartans, on the other hand, have won 10 straight games, including six on the road. Not every win has been pretty — Northwestern was a perfect example — but they all count the same. Beating Illinois Tuesday would be huge for this team’s confidence and potential NCAA Tournament seeding with a Big Ten champion distinction.

Here’s how you can watch Tuesday night’s Michigan State vs. Illinois game:

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 20
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

The first time these two teams matched up, Illinois was in the game longer than Michigan State would have hoped because of the Spartans’ turnover issues. If Michigan State wants to put the Illini away early, they need to cut the turnovers and not be so rattled by extra pressure from the Illinois guards on defense. They are scrappy and average 7.4 steals per game.

On the defensive side of things, containing Leron Black and defending the 3-point line are top priorities. What we saw from the Spartans in the second half against Northwestern is what is going to lead this team to a Final Four. Locking down on the perimeter and not allowing any easy passes will cause the Illini to fold under pressure.

Illinois Players to Watch

The Fighting Illini have some solid pieces, but this team is 2-3 years away from contending for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, it seems. Brad Underwood is a solid coach and can turn things around, but it’ll take time. Which Illini players should we be watching for?

  • Leron Black — 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 57% FG shooting, 53% 3-point shooting
  • Trent Frazier — 12.3 points, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 34% 3-point shooting
  • Kipper Nichols — 9.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 37% 3-point shooting
  • Michael Finke — 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 48% FG shooting

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for February

Prediction

Michigan State knows what’s at stake and Tom Izzo isn’t going to let his team lay an egg at home against a 3-12 Big Ten team. The Spartans had no problem with Illinois the first time around and will have another solid all-around showing to lock up at least a share of the Big Ten title. Miles Bridges will get back on track after two shaky outings and Nick Ward will piece together another double-double. Cassius Winston will make another four 3-pointers and people will still be asking, “Why doesn’t he shoot more?”

Final Score: Illinois 63, Michigan State 86

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