Illini now

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Basketball Falling at Michigan State

The Illini fell to the Spartans in a down-and-dirty road test, and as usual social media had plenty to say about it
Pranav Hegde|
Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., right, fouls Illinois' Keaton Wagler during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., right, fouls Illinois' Keaton Wagler during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting IlliniMichigan State Spartans

Illinois’ 12-game winning streak finally met its match Saturday night in East Lansing as the Illini dropped a heartbreaker to the Spartans 85-82 in overtime. It was a game that had just about everything – momentum swings, late-game drama, controversial whistles and, of course, a healthy dose of Breslin Center weirdness.

From the opening tip, this one felt like it was destined to be a grind. The first half turned into a seesaw affair, with constant lead changes, neither team able to land a knockout punch. Illinois briefly found separation late in the half, building a four-point cushion behind strong ball movement and timely shot-making. Still, nothing came easy. Michigan State responded with physical defense and second-chance points, keeping the game within striking distance as the teams headed to the locker room.

If the first half was back-and-forth, the early portion of the second half looked like Illinois might finally seize control. The Illini stretched the lead to nine, playing with confidence on both ends and momentarily quieting the East Lansing crowd. But then came the inevitable push. Fueled by defensive pressure and transition opportunities, the Spartans stormed back – and the game flipped yet again.

At the center of Michigan State’s comeback was Jeremy Fears, who put together a sensational performance. After spending much of the week in headlines for reasons more or less unrelated to basketball, Fears let his game do the talking. He repeatedly beat defenders off the dribble, lived at the free-throw line and dragged the Spartans back possession by possession.

The final minute of regulation delivered pure chaos. Trailing by 1 with under 40 seconds to play, Illinois got a huge bucket from David Mirkovic, who sliced through the defense for a spectacular driving layup to briefly put the Illini back on top. The lead didn’t last long. Michigan State answered with an offensive rebound that led to a kick-out three, reclaiming a two-point edge and sending the building into a frenzy.

Illinois still had one more big swing left. Keaton Wagler missed a good look from deep, but Jake Davis was there for the put-back and drew a foul. Cool as could be, Davis buried both free throws to force overtime.

In the extra session, though, the Spartans had the answers. Fears took over completely, getting downhill at will and closing the door from the stripe. Illinois had a final chance to tie, but Zvonimir Ivisic couldn’t connect, which sealed it.

It was Illinois’ first defeat in almost two months – a gut-punch in a hostile environment. Naturally, Illini social media lit up immediately. Some blamed the fouls, others tipped their cap to Fears and plenty chalked it up to classic East Lansing chaos. One thing’s certain: This one will linger, but it won’t define the season.

Tomi locked in early

A lot of questionable calls

Humrichous hooping

Mirk with some tough buckets

Ice

Tough way to foul out

An off game for the freshman

Fears put on a show

On to the next

Not right now, Jon

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Pranav Hegde
PRANAV HEGDE

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

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