ILLINOIS 53 #18 MICHIGAN State 46...the Fighting ILLINI goes into IZZONE and hits the Winner's Circle...SPARTY's Offensive Woes continue...CAMPUS HARDWOOD with a Shocker in IZZONE #FightingILLINI #MSUSpartans

There i a power outage in East Lansing, Michigan and taking nothing away from the Illinois Fighting Illini as the Spartans laid an egg in the 2nd half of their contest versus Illinois. The Illini most likely not going to the "One Shining Moment" Tourney unless they run the table in the Big 10 Tourney...shocks Izzone and Sparty!

Behind a four guard set the Illini forced their hand on the Spartans playing "Nellie Ball" (NBA Player/Coach from University Iowa and Celtics Don Nelson known for playing small line ups trying to dictate match ups) as that worked versus the Spartans. Illini Guards Tracey Abrams (12 pts), Rayvonte Rice (10 pts), and Malcolm Hill (10 pts). The Illini played to a 28-28 draw in the 1st half as they out score Sparty in the 2nd half 25-18. Illinois shot nearly 45% from the Arc and 50% from the field and Michigan State had a lid on their rim.

Led by All-American Candidate Gary Harris' 19 points as he had 15 of the 19 from the "Land of Plenty". He was the only Spartan in double figures as well as the only Offensive Threat as Lead Man Izzo and Company have to go back to the drawing board and Offensively fix the Spartans. PG Keith Appling's Wrist is hurting the Spartans as is the up and down play of Big Adriean Payne who is playing with a bad foot. They shot under 40% from the field and under 34% from the Arc and then commit 16 turnovers to Illinois 14...playing after hitting up your Training Table...not good!

The Illini moves to 6-10 in the Big 10 and 17-11 overall. The Spartans fall to 11-5 and 1/2 game behind Michigan who is playing the Gophers as we go to press. Sparty is 22-7 overall and if they get a #5 seed or less they will be super dangerous in March Madness.