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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for crucial rematch with Illinois

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 25, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) drives to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (13) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) drives to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (13) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Penn State, Michigan State basketball returns home to face a tough Illinois team. Let’s get bold.

Winning games in the Big Ten isn’t easy — just ask these Spartans.

The most consistently inconsistent team in the conference will be taking the court on Saturday afternoon, facing No. 12 Illinois with one of the top spots in the standings on the line. Michigan State basketball needs a strong performance after a letdown at Penn State and the leaders will have to step up.

The Spartans are 18-7 on the season and 9-5 in conference play and surprisingly that’s still good enough for a top-five spot. It’s time to improve on that against the Illini.

Let’s get bold.

3. Marcus Bingham keeps Kofi in check

This one may seem a little ridiculous, but I think Marcus Bingham Jr. is up to the task of facing Kofi Cockburn and I think he’ll actually stay out of foul trouble.

Kofi is a big dude who uses his size to dominate in the Big Ten, but it’s not often he faces guys with the length of Bingham. That’s going to cause some problems and it’ll lead to one of the best defensive outings for the senior big man.

A couple of years ago when Illinois came to the Breslin and Kofi was just a freshman, Bingham actually locked down the Illini big man off the bench, finishing with 12 rebounds and five blocks.

He can do it.

And he will. He’ll finish with 10 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks as his length will cause major problems for Kofi.

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