Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to victory against No. 12 Illinois

Feb 12, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2), guard Jaden Akins (3), forward Malik Hall (25) and forward Julius Marble II (34) cheer on the team in the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 12: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans brings the ball up the court in the first half of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Breslin Center on February 12, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Win the turnover battle

Every critic of the Michigan State Spartans this year has mentioned how often they turn the ball over. The Spartans turn the ball over on 20 percent of their possessions, which means on one of every five possessions, they will have a turnover.

The turnovers are what dug Michigan State into such a deep hole in their first meeting, especially the first-half turnovers. When the Spartans get out and run, they naturally will have a couple of turnovers — that just happens when you get running.

However, most of Michigan State’s turnovers come in the half court where they just cannot get into their offense.

In the six games since these two teams have met, the Spartans have averaged 13 turnovers a game. They need to get this down to around 10 if they want any chance of winning this game.

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