Illinois Basketball: 3 things to watch for in the Illini game against Michigan State

2. Can Illinois slow down Michigan State’s three-point shooting

Even though Michigan State is not currently ranked, they are still a pretty good team. They are 12-4 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten. The Spartans are also on a seven-game winning streak.

A big part of that winning streak is how the Spartans have shot from beyond the three-point arc. For the season, Michigan State is shooting 37.8% from three-point range, which ranks No. 32 in the country.

The Spartans are also coming off a big win on the road against Wisconsin where they shot 7-of-13 from three-point range, which is 53.8%. In four out of the past seven contests, Michigan State has shot over 40% from beyond the three-point arc.

With Michigan State being able to drop bombs from deep, I want to see if Illinois can slow them down. The Spartans are good at shooting the ball, but the Illini have also been shutting down their opponents when it comes to shots from distance.

For the season, Illinois is allowing opponents to shoot 32.4% from three-point range, which is No. 177 in the country. As of late, though, the Orange and Blue have been a much better three-point shooting defense.

Illinois has held opponents to under 29% shooting from three-point range in three out of the past four games. Only Northwestern shot better, and they hit 38.9% from long range. I think Illinois can do a good job containing Michigan State when it comes to shooting the basketball. If we can hold them to under 32% from three-point range, then I have no doubts we come away with a victory.