Michigan State basketball is now alone atop the Big Ten standings

For the first time this season, Michigan State basketball is alone atop the Big Ten standings.

That's right, after one of the biggest upsets of the season so far, Michigan State has moved into sole possession of first place in the conference while Michigan is bumped down to third (by percentage points) right behind Purdue who is 6-1 in league play.

Michigan lost to Minnesota on Thursday night thanks to a buzzer-beater from half court by Dawson Garcia that, well, is probably be played on repeat by Gopher fans all day.

Here's the shot that launched the Spartans into first place solely:

This was one of the best endings you'll see all season as 0-6 in Big Ten play Minnesota needed a miracle to pull out a win in the first overtime and avoid another extra session. The Gophers dribbled the ball up the floor after Danny Wolf tied things up with seven seconds left and a trailing Garcia took the pass and heaved up a prayer -- and it was clearly answered.

No one expected Michigan to lose this game, but college basketball is unpredictable and there is no such thing as an easy win in Big Ten play. Michigan State found that out on Wednesday.

Now Michigan State has a real chance to make a statement on Sunday against Illinois. The Fighting Illini are one of 4-5 teams that I could see contending for a conference title this season and they have been one of the most dominant road teams out there. Heck, they beat Indiana by 25 this week in Bloomington and Oregon by 32 a couple of weeks ago.

A win on Sunday would have all the doubters singing Tom Izzo's praises.