No. 10 Illinois will go for its fourth win in a row when it visits Michigan State in a Big Ten Conference matchup Saturday afternoon in East Lansing, Mich.
The Fighting Illini (17-5, 8-3) are coming off an 87-84 overtime victory on their home court against Nebraska on Sunday. That followed wins over Ohio State on the road and Indiana at home.
“Typical day in the Big Ten,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said after the victory over the Cornhuskers. “It’s the best league in the country. Great players. Great coaches.”
Now comes a tough challenge on the road against Michigan State (14-9, 6-6). The Spartans are coming off a 59-56 loss at Minnesota on Tuesday but are 12-2 on their home court.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo wants to see a better performance from his team after the setback against the Golden Gophers. In the aftermath of the loss, Izzo fumed at his players’ mistakes on the court.
“I have no idea right now, none,” Izzo said, when asked what ideas he had to bounce back. “I’m not worried about Illinois. I’m not worried about (this weekend). I’m worried about watching the film and figuring out what the (heck) happened.