Illinois at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Illinois at No. 13 Michigan State

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Illinois 15-6, 2-5 Big Ten; MSU 17-4, 6-2

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Brandon Paul (17.9 ppg); Rebounds – Nnanna Egwu (4.9 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.2 apg); Steals – D.J. Richardson (1.6 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (6.9 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.1 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.9 spg).

Current Streaks: Illinois L1; MSU L1

Point Spread: Michigan State -8.5

Prediction: Michigan State had a nice showing at Indiana, but the Spartans tend to play to their level of competition, so I expect this game to be somewhat close throughout. Illinois can be a dangerous team if they get hot from behind the arc, but I don’t think that will be the case at the Breslin Center. Look for Keith Appling to have a big game after his struggles at Indiana. He will lead MSU to the victory. Michigan State 66, Illinois 59