Michigan States defeats Illinois, 60-53, wins fourth straight

After losing by five at home to Illinois February 7^th, Michigan State was able to take home court back defeating Illinois 60-53 Sunday night in a close one.

Now 19-8 (10-4 Big Ten) the Spartans looks to have found their stride at the right point of the season. Their current four game winning streak is the longest streak the team has had since late November.

After early runs by both teams, the game balanced out and was hard fought and very physically played game to the end.

It was not the prettiest game to watch as both teams shot poor percentages from the floor. The Spartans finished shooting 42.6 percent from the floor while the Illini shot just 28.8 percent. This game was more of an exciting catastrophe, missed shots and fouls galore and yet, it kept your attention throughout.

In a lot of ways this game was similar to the one the two teams played a few weeks ago. Poor shooting, physical, low assist numbers and fouls were the theme their first go round, the only difference is the winner of the game.

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Michigan State was led by their usual suspects. Branden Dawson, who finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocks and Denzel Valentine who contributed with 20 points and nine rebounds.

Travis Trice gave the team a huge lift off the bench, his 18 gave the Spartans the boost they needed to pull out a hard fought and tough game on the road.

Even though Michigan State finished with eight assist, they moved the ball well and got good looks leading to the important win.

The physicality of the Spartans was enough to hold the Illini two players, Malcolm Hill and Rayvonte Rice to double-digits. They were also able to hold Rayvonte Rice to a sub-par night as he finished 15 points on just 3-of-12 shooting.

In a strange twist Michigan State was able to get into the bonus and with more than 11 minutes to go in regulation and oddly enough made actually finished with a respectable percentage from the line, with 85 percent and knocking them down, down the stretch. Certainly one good game from the free-throw line does not solve their woes from the line but it is a very small step in the right direction.

Seeing the Spartans actually attack the basket and show a willingness to want to be at the line is something people can hope happens for the remainder of the season and beyond.

One area of concern is outside of Dawson, Valentine and Trice the rest of the team struggles to get anything going. Right now it is not a problem but down the stretch it could be detrimental.

This win is huge for Michigan State, not only does it help their tournament resume it puts them in a three-way tie for second place in the Big Ten. They are now tied with Purdue and No. 16 Maryland with four games left in the regular season.

Michigan State Wins Fourth Straight, Beat Illinois 60-53

By Mike Dallas | Feb 22, 2015

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