Michigan State overcame a poor start to knock off ranked foe Illinois from the Breslin Center. The Spartans won by the final score of 80-78.

Connor Earegood asks Tom Izzo about rebounding in win over Illinois.

Tom Izzo sees No. 12 Michigan State basketball getting tougher after beating No. 20 Illinois on Sunday, but also knows so will the Spartans' schedule.

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

The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans (16-2, 7-0) made a big statement on Sunday afternoon as they took down the No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini (13-5, 5-3) at the

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.

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

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

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.

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