Michigan State Basketball: Player grades for thrashing of Illinois

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 2: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after sinking a three-point shot against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2020, in East Lansing, Michigan. Winston scored 21 points in a 76-56 win. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State basketball had its way with Illinois to kick off the 2020 calendar year. Which players received the highest grades in the win?

Thursday night was a sight for sore eyes as Michigan State resumed Big Ten play with a battle against Illinois in East Lansing. The Illini, which had upset Michigan earlier in the season, were looking to pull out a big win and make a statement in conference play, but it was the Spartans who had the last laugh, beating Illinois 76-56.

The Spartans dominated from start to finish, racing out to an 11-2 lead in the first few minutes before Illinois hung around until halftime when it was just a 36-30 game.

It seemed like Illinois would hang around until the final buzzer as a thorn in the Spartans’ sides, but Tom Izzo must have gotten through to his guys at halftime because they came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders.

A six-point halftime lead quickly grew until it was 20 points by the final buzzer.

Michigan State’s starting five probably had the best and most complete game of the season while the bench had some solid performers, including a nice follow-up from Foster Loyer as well as Rocket Watts.

When talking starters, though, you’d be hard-pressed to find a guy who graded out lower than an A-/B+ on Thursday night.

Who deserves the highest grade from Michigan State’s win?

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