Photo: Ron Johnson ~ USA TODAY Sports
CHAMPAIGN, IL, Jan. 11, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans lost their fourth Big Ten Conference game to the Illinois Fighting Illini 71-68 at State Farm Center in Champaign.
This game went down to the final seconds. Michigan State played a solid game offensively. The Spartans shot around 42% from the field and had four scorers in double digits. However, Michigan State struggled at the three-point line. The Spartans shot roughly 38% from the three in the first half and only 2/11 in the second.
PODCAST:
Jan. 12, 2024 ~ Michigan State Basketball Head Coach Tom Izzo discusses last night’s loss against Illinois with 760 WJR‘s Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds.
(CONTINUED) Michigan State trailed Illinois for most of the game. Five of the seven Fighting Illini players scored double digit points against the Spartans. Overall, Illinois played a more efficient game than Michigan State offensively, but not by much. The key advantage was the successful three-point execution for Illinois in the second half.
After trailing by eight with about five minutes to go, Michigan State was able to go on a short run. MSU trailed by two with about 1:30 remaining in the game. The Spartans were forced to foul and Illinois made them pay for it, hitting all but their last free throw. On their last possession, the Spartans were unable to hit a shot, handing Illinois the win.
Michigan State is now 1-4 in the Big Ten Conference after losing their past two games. The Spartans return home to the Breslin Center in East Lansing to face off against the Rutgers, yet another Big Ten opponent. Coverage starts at 11 a.m. on 760 WJR.
760 WJR TOP SPORTS STORIES:
