Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from massive win over No. 10 Illinois

2. The veterans stepped up

Tom Izzo has begged for his leaders to step up this season and he's drilled that message home game after game but they finally did it on Saturday afternoon.

Malik Hall had a huge game, finishing with 22 points and five rebounds, AJ Hoggard posted a career game with 23 points to go along with five assists, and Tyson Walker finished with a modest 19 points. These three really led the way when it felt like everyone else what struggling.

OK, maybe not everyone else struggled, but the bigs were not contributing how they should. Carson Cooper and Mady Sissoko struggled again and Jaxon Kohler showed flashes. Tre Holloman had a decent game and Coen Carr only played nine minutes but converted a huge and-one. Jaden Akins had a solid game with 10 points, too.

But it was the three seniors who led the way which is exactly what you like to see if you're Izzo. Hall, Walker, and Hoggard combined for 64 points and put the team on their back.

Way to answer the call.