Illinois Basketball: 3 ways the Illini can take down Michigan State

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 07: Alan Griffin #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center on February 7, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

The Illinois basketball team has round two tonight in Champaign against the Michigan State Spartans.

Both teams come into this game needing a win. The Spartans were 13-3 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten at one time this season. They led the conference and it didn’t seem like any team was going to catch them. But they have now dropped three-straight games and five out of eight. This is a huge game on the road for Michigan State.

Illinois isn’t exactly hot right now, though. The Illini have now lost two in a row after rambling off seven-straight wins. This puts the Orange and Blue in a tie for second in the Big Ten with Penn State. Maryland currently leads the conference and won both games against Illinois this season.

A win on Tuesday night will put the Illini a half-game back of the Terrapins in the Big Ten. It would get us back on track to be a solid seed in the NCAA tournament too. A win for Michigan State would put them only one game back of Maryland. It would also help them get back into the top 25. I can’t tell you the last time I remember the Spartans not being ranked.

Clearly, this is a huge game for both programs. Each team needs a victory. Let’s also not forget, the top four teams in the Big Ten get a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. Illinois is in the No. 3 spot, but Michigan State sits at No. 5.

Here are three ways the Illini can take down Michigan State.

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