The Spartans' win over Illinois bought breathing room against one of the Big Ten's most dangerous title contenders.

After going down early, Michigan State basketball survived a nail-biter vs. Illinois to stay undefeated and alone at the top if the Big Ten.

Tom Izzo managed to beat his old friend Brad Underwood on Sunday as Michigan State basketball held on to beat Illinois at home. It was a tough, grind-it-out win over Illinois as the Spartans struggled to hit shots, but they did outperform Illinois at the free throw line and that was ultimately the difference.

Alums, media and others across the college basketball landscape sounded off on the Spartans' win over the Illini

Columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on MSU's performance in an 80-78 win over Illinois on Sunday afternoon with three quick takes.

While MSU’s win over Illinois was huge, Purdue’s win over Oregon was even more impressive, as the Boilermakers took down the Ducks on the road. Without a loss to the scrappy Penn State Nittany Lions, that win would have put them in the No. 1 spot.

Michigan State takes down Illinois, Rutgers gets two victories and Purdue's win streak extends to seven games. How it all impacts the Big Ten power rankings.

Tre Holloman had 17 points, including two free throws in the closing seconds, Coen Carr and Frankie Fidler scored 11 each and No. 12 Michigan State held on to beat No. 19 Illinois 80-78 on Sunday. The Spartans (16-2,