Stopping freshman phenom Kasparas Jakučionis is the biggest mission for No. 12 Michigan State basketball against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday.

No. 12 Michigan State came up with just enough plays down the stretch to hold on for an 80-78 win against No. 19 Illinois and remain the lone unbeaten team in the conference. The Spartans (16-2, 7-0 Big Ten) extended their longest winning streak in six years to 11 straight.

Izzo is taking the threat of the Illini seriously as he prepares his Spartans for Sunday's matchup in East Lansing

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo was not pleased with the overall performance of his team in its 90-85 victory over Penn State on Wednesday.

After going down early, Michigan State basketball survived a nail-biter vs. Illinois to stay undefeated and alone at the top if the Big Ten.

The 14th-ranked Spartans (13-2 ... for their third road game of the conference season. NUMBERS GAME:Tom Izzo reveals Michigan State basketball's battle cry that sure is working Tipoff at Welsh ...

Michigan State basketball welcomed in No. 19 Illinois for a massive Big Ten matchup on Sunday afternoon. A back and forth affair between the two teams broke out, in what was a high level college basketball game, but it was the Spartans picking up the quad 1 win, 80-78.

Tre Holloman had 17 points, including two free throws in the closing seconds, Coen Carr and Frankie Fidler scored 11 each and No. 12 Michigan State held on to beat No. 19 Illinois 80-78 on Sunday. The Spartans (16-2,

No. 12 Michigan State men's basketball was able to best No. 19 Illinois in what was one of its toughest tests of the season.

No. 12 Michigan State men’s basketball took down No. 19 Illinois 80-78 Sunday afternoon. MSU now improves to 7-0 in conference play with the victory. Coach Tom Izzo spoke to the media after his team’s victory: Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather.

It was one of the most exciting games of the season for Michigan State basketball, and it was also their eleventh straight win, as the Spartans knocked off Illinois 80 to 78.