Michigan State secured a significant 88-80 victory at home against No. 10 ranked Illinois. The game was anticipated to be a great matchup, and it lived up to expectations with a dynamic finish. Michigan State's coach Tom Izzo was visibly enthusiastic throughout the game, as his team performed impressively, particularly in the final minutes. The Spartans ended the game on a 24-8 run, overcoming a late deficit where Illinois led 72-64 with just over six minutes left on the clock. Michigan State's seniors were pivotal in the win, with AJ Hoggard scoring 23 points, Malik Hall adding 22 points, and Tyson Walker contributing 19 points, including a steal and slam dunk that highlighted the team's late surge. The victory was crucial for Michigan State's hopes of extending their consecutive NCAA tournament streak to 26, with the seniors' collective performance providing a much-needed Quad 1 boost.
How do the @MSU_Basketball players feel about their Head Coach, Tom Izzo? Watch this interview and you'll get a strong sense.... @CBSSportsCBB @wbz https://t.co/qsIeOTYNDJ
"We played good. Our fans were unbelievable. But that's a good basketball team." β@MSU_Basketball head coach Tom Izzo https://t.co/sAKkt8Yyee
A huge must-win for Michigan State. Illinois completely runs out of gas down the stretch, a few horrible turnovers. Illini led 72-64 with 6:32 left. MSU ends on an 24-8 run and wins 88-80 https://t.co/onj5GL7pYO
DOWN GOES ILLINOIS. π³ Michigan State routs No. 10 Illinois at home. π https://t.co/iyy9xIHXRs
ALL THE VIBES in East Lansing today π€© π₯ @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/aMSsePYPmg
Tom Izzo has been waiting all year for his seniors to collectively have a good game for @MSU_Basketball. Well timed. Hall, Hoggard, Walker and Akins in double figures as Spartans beat Illinois for a Quad 1 boost.
With Michigan State's season in the balance, the Spartans' seniors came to play against Illinois. 23 points for AJ Hoggard, 22 points for Malik Hall, 19 points for Tyson Walker. Michigan State scores 13 points in the final 2:15 to win by eight. Huge win for the Spartans.
Protected home court. ππ‘ @MSU_Basketball takes down No. 10 Illinois π https://t.co/5AunZA3n4F
Absolutely HUGE win for Tom Izzo and Michigan State at home against Illinois. Izzo trying to extend consecutive NCAA tourney streak to 26. When Malik Hall and AJ Hoggard play like this, the Spartans are as good as anyone not named Purdue in the Big Ten.
And that's a matched career high 23 points from A.J. Hoggard. Spartans needed their best players to be at their best, and Walker, Hoggard and Hall came through.
Spartans inching closer to victory here in East Lansing! π @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/f5lS77a8At
Tom Izzo giving Tyson Walker his flowers π @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/4MA9KtrZRU
Izzo is LOVING what he's seeing out of the Spartans! π @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/MFG9760VOE
WOW. Tyson Walker with the steal and the slam! π₯ @TysonWalker13 x @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/aRSNZwkxOv
Malik Hall comin' up HUGE for the Spartans! πͺπ€ @iammalikhall x @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/Ku6IQnOoJC
The Spartans make it a three point game! π @ajhoggard3 x @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/Cg6A4wnczm
AND ONE FOR WALKER! π€ @TysonWalker13 x @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/KOF2YxhH95
πππ Tom Izzo smilin' through it all @MSU_Basketball π https://t.co/amQnPZ0HB4
The Spartans TAKE THE LEAD! πΏπͺ @JadenAkins3 x @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/sSZLv89LNk
Tom Izzo is FIRED UP π₯ @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/oHgP0vhXjM
Tyson from beyond the arc! π¦ @TysonWalker13 x @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/8rFkP2EY0D
Tyson Walker sizin' up the Illini defense πͺ @TysonWalker13 x @MSU_Basketball https://t.co/WdncmfLdum
On the road to East Lansing for what should be a great game between No. 10 Illinois and Michigan State. Hey @John_Fanta, who do you like in this one?