Tom Izzo said No. 12 Michigan State basketball must defend better Sunday against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday despite the Spartans' offensive upturn.

Stopping freshman phenom Kasparas Jakučionis is the biggest mission for No. 12 Michigan State basketball against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday.

Izzo is taking the threat of the Illini seriously as he prepares his Spartans for Sunday's matchup in East Lansing

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo had high praise for the Spartans' next opponent, the Illinois Fighting Illini.

The 14th-ranked Spartans (13-2 ... for their third road game of the conference season. NUMBERS GAME:Tom Izzo reveals Michigan State basketball's battle cry that sure is working Tipoff at Welsh ...

Now in his 30th season leading Michigan State, Izzo has gone against the grain plenty of times and sees a kindred spirit in Dan Campbell. The fourth-year coach of the Lions is as aggressive as they come in keeping the offense on the field on fourth down.

MSU’s winning streak continued on Wednesday night, but that doesn’t mean head coach Tom Izzo was happy about the performance

No. 12 Michigan State received an all-around effort from its team in its 80-78 victory over No. 19 Illinois, as 10 Spartans finished with

Michigan State senior center Carson Cooper led the Spartans in rebounding with eight in their 80-78 win over Illinois on Sunday.

Tre Holloman had 17 points, including two free throws in the closing seconds, Coen Carr and Frankie Fidler scored 11 each and No. Michigan State held on to beat No. Illinois 80-78 on Sunday.

Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, center, shoots against Michigan State guards Jeremy Fears Jr., right, and Jase Richardson (11) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)