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

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

No. 12 Michigan State came up with just enough plays down the stretch to hold on for an 80-78 win against No. 19 Illinois and remain the lone unbeaten team in the conference. The Spartans (16-2, 7-0 Big Ten) extended their longest winning streak in six years to 11 straight.

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

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 ...

Michigan State senior guard Jaden Akins wasn't the scoring contributor he has been for much of the season in the No. 12 Spartans' victory over No. 19 Illinois on Sunday, but he was pleased to see his other teammates rise to the occasion.

After Tre White missed the last two of three free throw attempts, Jaden Akins grabbed the rebound and fired a pass to Jeremy Fears. The Michigan State point guard needed only two dribbles to get across halfcourt in a flash and was beyond the 3-point line when he threw a lob to Coen Carr for a two-handed slam.

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo is impressed by what he sees from Illinois. The Spartans beat Illinois 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