Home & Away
Exactly one year ago (plus or minus 23 days) MSU thumped Illinois at the Bres, 88-80, avenging an earlier loss in Sham-pain. Tomorrow the Illini roll into their return matchup back at the Breslin Center with plenty of momentum coming off a dominant 94-69 win over Indiana.
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At 15-2 overall and a perfect 6-0 in Big Ten play, the 12th-ranked Spartans are sitting atop the league standings. However, it’s fair to note that our guys in Green have yet to face the upper echelon of the conference. That changes tomorrow when they host the 19th-ranked Fighting Illini, a team that’s battle-tested and knocking at the league leaders’ doors. Tip-off is set for noon on CBS, and the Breslin Center should be rocking.
Illinois enters the game at 13-4 overall and 5-2 in league play. They’ve faced a more challenging B1G schedule than the Spartans, with impressive wins over Wisconsin and Oregon and narrow losses to USC and Northwestern (the latter in overtime). Their non-conference setbacks came against elite opponents in a top-ranked Tennessee and then #8 Alabama. In short, this is a team that’s won’t be easily rattled by the Breslin atmosphere.
The Illini are led by Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6’6” point who is as versatile as they come. Jakucionis averages 16.7 points per game on 50% shooting and is lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 41.6% of his threes. At 31.2 minutes per game, he’s the engine of this Illinois team, and MSU’s crew will need to be ready for a battle on both ends of the floor. Jakucionis’ ability to drive as well as stretch the floor makes him a tough cover, and limiting his impact will be key for the Spartans.
Statistically, MSU holds the edge in several categories. The Spartans are averaging 82 points per game while holding opponents to just 67. Illinois, by comparison, scores 87 per game and allows a similar 67. Shooting-wise, the Spartans’ 48% from the field outpaces Illinois’ 45%, and MSU’s defense has been stingy, holding opponents to under 40% shooting. Additionally, MSU is second in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 18.6 per game, which reflects their ball movement and depth. Illinois relies more heavily on its starters, particularly Jakucionis, and their supporting cast hasn’t shown the same consistency.
That depth should be a decisive factor in tomorrow’s game. While Illinois has stars, MSU has waves. Jeremy Fears and Tre Holloman have done an excellent job running the point, with Jase rolling with it at times as well. The Spartans’ ability to rotate fresh legs at every position has worn down opponents all season. Expect MSU to push the pace and force Illinois into uncomfortable situations. If the Spartans can get Jakucionis into foul trouble or limit his effectiveness with physicality, Illinois’ offense could stall.
Tomorrow’s game is also a chance for MSU to prove they belong among the nation’s elite. Critics have pointed to their relatively soft conference schedule so far, but a win over a ranked Illinois team would go a long way toward silencing those doubts. Beyond the immediate implications, this is a critical stretch for MSU as they aim to build momentum heading into February. After Illinois, the schedule begins to warm in the weeks ahead, with three of the next four on the road, including both Cali squads.
Prediction? The Breslin crowd, the Spartans’ depth, and a focused defensive effort will carry MSU to victory. Look for a balanced attack with key contributions from the starting five and the bench and the Green and White to pull out a nail-biter. Though the game-to-game stars change more than the team’s shoes, we’re starting to see guys like Akins step up at key moments to enable exactly the kinds of wins that slipped through our fingers the last few seasons. Hopefully the All-In version of Booker hits the floor, Fiedler keeps his momentum up from Penn State, and the team finds more energy overall for the B1G Sunday game.
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On the women’s side, MSU heads into tomorrow’s matchup against Illinois at 14-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten. The Spartans are tied for fourth in the conference standings and have shown resilience throughout the season. They’ll look to continue their strong play on the road against the Illini, who are 13-4 overall and 3-3 in league action. Tip-off is set for 3 PM in Champaign.
Michigan State’s success has been fueled by the dynamic play of Julia Ayrault, who leads the Spartans in scoring and rebounding. Supporting her are Grace VanSlooten, who provides a steady scoring touch, and Theryn Hallock, a do-it-all guard who has been instrumental on both ends of the court. The Spartans are averaging 82 points per game while allowing just 59, a testament to their balanced attack and tenacious defense.
Illinois, meanwhile, is led by senior forward Kendall Bostic, who dominates the paint with her scoring and rebounding prowess. If her name sounds familiar it’s because she started her career in the Green & White – playing in 22 games and helping the team to a 2021 NCAA appearance. 5th-year NC State transfer Genesis Bryant and Senior Adalia McKenzie round out the Illini’s top performers, providing Illinois with a potent backcourt. The Illini are scoring 72 points per game and allowing 59, showcasing a similar balance for what should be a good matchup for the two squads.
This game represents an important opportunity for both teams. MSU aims to keep pace with the conference leaders and grab a point against a team they need to be able to beat, while Illinois looks to move above .500 in Big Ten play. The Spartans’ depth and defensive intensity could prove decisive, especially if they can limit Bostic’s impact in the paint and force the Illini to rely on outside shooting.
While Illinois has home-court advantage, the Spartans’ recent form and versatility should give them the edge.
Go Green.