Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo is impressed by what he sees from Illinois. The Spartans beat Illinois Sunday.

Tom Izzo said No. 12 Michigan State basketball must defend better Sunday against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday despite the Spartans' offensive upturn.

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

Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, top left, blocks a shot by Penn State guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) as Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

No. 12 Michigan State is heading into what will likely be its toughest conference game yet when it hosts No. 19 Illinois on Sunday.

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.

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.

No. 12 Michigan State men’s basketball took an 80-78 win in a marquee matchup with No. 19 Illinois on Sunday afternoon at Breslin Center.

After an action-packed Saturday slate of games, CBS Sports' Gary Parrish updated his college basketball Top 25 And 1 Rankings.

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.

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