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

Michigan at Illinois Breakdown & Prediction

No. 2 Michigan at Illinois

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Assembly Hall

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan 18-1, 5-1 Big Ten; Illinois 15-5, 2-4

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (17.8 ppg); Rebounds – Glenn Robinson III (5.9 rpg); Assists – Burke (7.2 apg); Steals – Burke (1.3 spg).

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Brandon Paul (18.0 ppg); Rebounds – Paul (4.8 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.2 apg); Steals – Abrams/D.J. Richardson (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan W2, Illinois W1

Point Spread: Michigan -6.5

Prediction: There was a time during non-conference play that this game looked like it could be a real issue for Michigan. However, the Illini have gotten off to a slow start in Big Ten play and they come into this game with a below-average defense, which doesn’t bode well against a team like Michigan. The Illini have some scoring ability, especially with Paul. Look for Illinois to hang tough for most of the first half before Michigan pulls away in the second half. Michigan 74, Illinois 63