Michigan State redshirt freshman point guard Jeremy Fears Jr.'s play was vital in the Spartans' win over Illinois on Sunday.

After going down early, Michigan State basketball survived a nail-biter vs. Illinois to stay undefeated and alone at the top if the Big Ten.

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

Tom Izzo managed to beat his old friend Brad Underwood on Sunday as Michigan State basketball held on to beat Illinois at home. It was a tough, grind-it-out win over Illinois as the Spartans struggled to hit shots, but they did outperform Illinois at the free throw line and that was ultimately the difference.

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

Columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on MSU's performance in an 80-78 win over Illinois on Sunday afternoon with three quick takes.

Tre Holloman had 17 points, including two free throws in the closing seconds, Coen Carr and Frankie Fidler scored 11 each and No. 12 Michigan State held on to beat No. 19 Illinois 80-78 on Sunday. The Spartans (16-2,

No. 12 Michigan State was triumphant in its top-20 matchup with No. 19 Illinois on Sunday, defeating the Fighting Illini, 80-78. Our Aidan Champion recaps the contest on this episode of the Michigan State Insider Podcast.