We're at the point in the season in which it feels like Michigan State basketball can't beat anyone. It happens every February and lasts for about 1-2 weeks. We're right on schedule.
The Spartans have lost three of their last four games and the offense has seemingly folded at the seams. They can't seem to get anything going in the half court and they're averaging a paltry 69 points per game in this stretch, failing to break 70 in three out of the four games.
Fun fact: Michigan State is 18-0 when it scores 70-plus this season and just 1-5 when it doesn't. So if the Spartans can score 70 against the Illini, I like their chances.
It's time to get bold.
1. Jeremy Fears has a massive bounce-back
Jeremy Fears received a ton of criticism for his performance on Tuesday night against Indiana, scoring no points on 0-for-2 shooting with just two assists.
Everyone seemed to jump off the Fears bandwagon but he's heard it all and he's going to bounce back in a big way on both ends of the floor. He'll be responsible for locking down whoever is running point for the Illini and he'll finish with 10 points and 10 assists of his own.
Fears' play in his homecoming will play a big part in Michigan State's quest for the season sweep.
2. MSU holds Kasparas Jakucionis in check (again)
The first time Michigan State faced Kasparas Jakucionis, he fouled out in less than 10 minutes of action. This time around, he's going to stay out of foul trouble.
But he's not going to have a ton more luck.
Michigan State's defense is going to step up and shut him down, holding him under 10 points with four assists, four rebounds, and three turnovers. This is going to shut a lot of Illinois fans up, saying that if Jakucionis played more the first time, he would've torn up the Spartans' defense. Not the case.
3. Michigan State loses a heart-breaker
Michigan State is the underdog heading into this one and it makes sense given how poorly the Spartans have looked over the past two weeks, but they will play their best basketball since January, taking the Illini down to the wire and even holding a lead with a minute left.
Unfortunately, Illinois is going to get the last laugh thanks to a huge Will Riley 3-pointer to put the Illini up two with about 30 seconds left. Michigan State won't be able to respond, losing by four.
Illinois takes this one, 75-71.