Let’s start with this: Was Illinois in control of its own fate in East Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday night? Without a doubt. Put together a better showing on the glass (the Illini lost the battle of the boards 48-38 to Michigan State), knock down a few more open threes or slow down the Spartans’ potent transition attack, and Illinois would have left the Breslin Center with its 13th straight victory.
Instead, the Illini did none of the above and were dealt their first loss since the last calendar year. And although it shouldn’t be used as an excuse, they admittedly faced an uphill battle due to some – let’s call them questionable – calls from the referees.
How much of an impact did the refs have on Illinois-Michigan State?
Brad Underwood and Illinois lose the appeal on this play for a missed call, where it appears Jeremy Fears Jr. trips Illinois’ Mirkovic. pic.twitter.com/ifUtoBOmT2
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 8, 2026
Fears also clearly grabbed Mirkovic on an overtime drive – which wasn’t called – before attacking the rim and fouling out big man Tomislav Ivisic despite minimal contact. (Watch that one just below.)
This was called a foul on Tomislav Ivisic. Be fouled out on this play. pic.twitter.com/fczqAq6SLj
— College Hoops Database (@CollegeHoopsTIk) February 8, 2026
There were a handful of other missed calls on Illinois’ end, along with near-phantom calls for Michigan State. Then again, freshman Keaton Wagler drew a whistle late in the contest, despite what appeared to be picture-perfect defense from the Spartans’ Jordan Scott…