Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo had high praise for the Spartans' next opponent, the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Izzo is taking the threat of the Illini seriously as he prepares his Spartans for Sunday's matchup in East Lansing

No. 12 Michigan State is heading into what will likely be its toughest conference game yet when it hosts No. 19 Illinois on Sunday.

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood wasn't pleased with the officials during his loss to Michigan State on Sunday.

Following a 90-85 win over Penn State, Michigan State University men's basketball now faces a tough test against Illinois on Sunday at noon in East Lansing. MSU enters Sunday’s game at 15-2 overall, 6-0 in Big Ten play, and undefeated at home with a 10-game win streak.

No. 12 Michigan State men’s basketball took an 80-78 win in a marquee matchup with No. 19 Illinois on Sunday afternoon at Breslin Center.

Tom Izzo said No. 12 Michigan State basketball must defend better Sunday against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday despite the Spartans' offensive upturn.

The No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini have been rolling as winners of six of their last seven games. They have also caught the attention of Tom Izzo, the head coach of their next opponent ...

Stopping freshman phenom Kasparas Jakučionis is the biggest mission for No. 12 Michigan State basketball against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday.

Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, top left, blocks a shot by Penn State guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) as Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

No. 19 Illinois (13-4, 5-2 Big Ten) will visit Breslin Center for Sunday’s noon tip. The Fighting Illini are the highest-rated team Michigan State has faced since Kansas in the Champions Classic, led by star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis. Both he and Illinois will be a major test for the Spartans.