Michigan State basketball really needed a bounce-back win against Illinois at home on Saturday, but they were unable to take it. The Spartans did make a valiant attempt at a comeback after a putrid first half, but ultimately fell to Illinois 79-74.
If there was one bright spot from this one, it was the play of Tyson Walker, who looked to finally shoot the ball with confidence after a timid start to the season. Walker finished with 26 points and 5 assists and hopefully this is a turning point from him this season. He has been MSU’s best shooter but just hasn’t taken shots when they were available so it was very encouraging.
For the rest of the team, this was more of the same frustrations we have seen all year. The Spartans finished with 11 turnovers, with AJ Hoggard and Marcus Bingham both turning it over 3 times, including a costly turnover by Hoggard in the final minute with the game down two.
For Illinois, Jacob Grandison and Kofi Cockburn led the way with 24 and 27, respectively.
