EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State needed it, and it got it.
The 10th‑ranked Spartans toppled No. 5 Illinois 85‑82 in overtime on Saturday night. The win snapped a two‑game skid, lifted Michigan State to 20‑4 overall and 10‑3 in Huge Ten play, and kept the Spartans alive in the conference title race.
First Half
The opening 20 minutes were a nail‑biter, with neither team ever leading by more than six points. Illinois’ superior spacing created second‑chance opportunities, even as the Spartans relied on Jaxon Kohler’s eight points and five rebounds and Jeremy Fears Jr.’s eight assists.
Illinois held a 39‑35 edge at halftime after a late 6‑2 spurt, leaving Michigan State in a position where a win was far from assured.
Second Half
Illinois surged early, opening a nine‑point run, but the Spartans answered with a 2‑for‑2 free‑throw effort from Cam Ward and an alley‑oop from Fears to Coen Carr to tie the game.
Michigan State struggled to build sustained leads, and Illinois repeatedly reclaimed a one‑ to two‑possession advantage. With 2:42 left, Fears’ free throws trimmed the deficit to one, and teammate Scott hit two more to give the Spartans a 1:49‑minute lead.
Kur Teng missed his first three‑pointer, but after an offensive rebound by Kohler, he nailed a clutch three with 8.6 seconds remaining to put MSU up by two. Illinois responded when Jake Davis was fouled on a putback and made both free throws, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime
Fears opened the extra period with a bucket, and Carson Cooper added another free throw to extend the lead to three. Illinois answered with a three from Tomislav Ivisic, but a turnover forced by MSU allowed Wagler to hit two free throws, giving the Illini a brief lead.
Fears then drew a foul, converted a three‑point play, and after a defensive stop, Cam Ward’s putback stretched the lead to five. Illinois’ star Wagler missed a potential game‑tying free throw, and Fears again baited a foul, hitting both shots to secure a six‑point cushion that the Fighting Illini could not overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led Michigan State in scoring?
Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Led the Spartans with 26 points.
What was the final score of the game?
Michigan State defeated Illinois 85‑82 in overtime.
How does the win affect Michigan State’s standing?
The triumph moves the Spartans to a 20‑4 overall record and 10‑3 in Big Ten play, keeping them in contention for the conference title.
What do you think this win means for the Spartans’ chances in the upcoming Big Ten matchups?
