Michigan State basketball welcomed in No. 19 Illinois for a massive Big Ten matchup on Sunday afternoon. A back and forth affair between the two teams broke out, in what was a high level college basketball game, but it was the Spartans picking up the quad 1 win, 80-78.
The win is the 11th straight victory for the Spartans, and keeps them atop the Big Ten standings.
With a three possession lead late in the game, some questionable Tom Izzo lineups allowed Illinois to stay in the game, but a big bucket from Jaden Akins weathered the storm. The game culminated with the Spartans leading by three with just over five seconds to go, which saw MSU foul up three, a common practice in college basketball but something Izzo has opted against. The move paid off for the Spartans, though, and they took home the win.
Tre Holloman led the way with 17 points, while Coen Carr and Frankie Fidler both finished with 11 points.
MSU will be back in action against Rutgers next Saturday.
