Well, it wasn't in the least bit pretty, but a win is a win. The final score of 51-41 represents how sloppy this game was. A very physical contest with lots of fouls and not much run and gun from either team. But again, the Spartans prove they can beat you in a variety of different ways. The previous two contests were high scoring, with the Spartans running up an down the floor for easy scores. This game was a grind; each possession took up a great deal of the shot clock. They also found a way to play through horrid shooting from nearly everyone and foul trouble from several key players. Illinois, on the other hand, showed why they are only 2-7 in Big Ten play. Their defense was effective, holding MSU to only 51 points (20 in the first half). However, their offense may be the worst in the Big Ten this side of Northwestern. They couldn't make free throws to keep them in the game, and for the most part, they shot worse than the Spartans did. Just three years removed the National Championship Game, the Illinois program has crashed back to earth, and it couldn't be any funnier to me. I'd tell the Illini to have fun in the NIT at this point, but they're not even good enough to make it there. See you in Champaign in a few weeks, boys.
As for the Spartans, this win marks the best 21 game start in 109 years of Michigan State basketball. That's right, better than both of the national title winning teams and all six final four teams. It's obviously still early, but i like the tone that sets as we delve into deeper and increasingly more important games. This weekend it's in State College, PA to take on the hobbled Nittany Lions. After that it's Northwestern at home. Then the schedule gets much more challenging. But it's good to know this team has put itself in position to win their first regular season conference title since 2001. Tomorrow is the first game between any of the three ranked Big Ten teams as Indiana takes on Wisconsin in Madison. Since Indiana is still undefeated in conference play, I'll be rooting for Bo Ryan and his horrible team. Hope it's a good game.
Also, happy 53rd birthday, Tom Izzo.
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