#25 Michigan State Drops #23 Illinois 70-69 In A Thriller
State Farm Center
Champaign, Illinois
The #25 Michigan State Spartans came into Champaign today riding a three-game losing streak. They came out on fire and took it to the Illini 70-69. They exercised their three-game losing streak. The win takes the men in green’s season record and conference record to 17-8 (9-5).
The Spartans had four players score in double-digits and were led by Rocket Watts who had 17 points. Xavier Tillman had a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Cassius Winston had 12 points and Aaron Henry dropped 13.
Tom Izzo said, "I am proud of my team. We have a lot of things that we have been through and we haven't been playing with grit."
Illinois Coach Brad Underwood said, "I can't speak for Tom's team, but one thing they do do is turn the ball over. We went at them. I love our group."
The men in the green lost the battle of the boards to the Illini by a margin of 33-38. The Spartans had a terrible 16 turnovers.
The Spartan defense allowed Illinois to shoot 37% from the field and 28% from three.
Izzo added, "We got our running game going and rebounded, but we kind of fell apart. But that happens with turnovers. Bizarre ending after we played so well. We beat a good team in front of an electrifying crowd."
The Illini had the lead in the 40 minutes of the game for 1:54. The Spartans led for 36:29. In all Tom Izzo played 11 players. Only seven of them scored.
Izzo’s men had 10 assists on 28 baskets. The Spartans shot 39% from three, 49% from the field and 50% from the charity stripe.
The team will return to the hard-court Saturday, February 15, 2020, in East Lansing at the Breslin Center. They will be taking on the Maryland Terrapins. It can be seen on ESPN at 6:00 PM ET. ESPN Gameday will be on location that morning.
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