Michigan State is again in a position it would rather not be in. Nearing mid-January, the Spartans were closing in on a must-win situation.
On Thursday night, the Spartans squad was 9-6 overall and (1-3) in conference play. In territory possibly unknown to Tom Izzo if he were to fall to 1-4 in Big Ten play.
A big game would be an understatement for this season. A loss to Illinois would mean a 9-7 record and three games under in conference play.
Let's look at how Thursday faired with a lot already on the line.
1st Half
The game began, and the first basket would belong to Tyson Walker just moments into action. That would be about it for the opening four minutes, as Illinois would see an 8-3 advantage at the first media break.
Illinois would grab a quick seven-point lead at 10-3, and Michigan State returned with a Sissoko dunk and a Hoggard three.
A couple of MSU turnovers would lead to an and-one opportunity for Illinois with a chance to extend the lead out to eight. The score was 15-8 at the under-12 timeout.
Michigan State opened the game (3 for 14) from the field. Also, it was being outrebounded 10 to 5 to this point in the game.
Ty Rodgers was a problem for the Spartan defense, as he would be in double digits midway through the first half.
The Illini would sit between a seven-to-ten-point advantage over MSU over the next few minutes of play.
Hawkins and Rodgers combined for 19 of the Illini's opening 28 points into the under-eight timeout.
Michigan State finally made it enjoyable after a Tyson Walker three with 5:11 left in the first half, forcing an Underwood timeout. The score would be 26 to 28.
Just as quickly as they cut the lead down, MSU allowed Illinois to jump right back out to a nine-point lead and a Tom Izzo timeout this time.
The game of runs continues as this time, MSU came back with an 8-0 run to bring it within one (34-35).
It felt like a slight boost after how that half looked for MSU at times to only be down three points at (37-34). Battling down seven to ten most of the half to have a chance to tie before halftime is something I'm sure didn't hurt too badly.
2nd Half
Right away, the Spartans would tie the game, but not before giving up a dunk on the other end to open second-half play. Michigan State would see a one-point lead going into the first break of action in the second half.
We were waiting for it, and it finally happened; Coen Carr took flight to give the Spartans a 48-42 advantage before a quick three by the Illini brought it back.
After putting an end to a quick 7-0 spirit from Illinois, Michigan State would get an answer and see a 50-49 lead at the under-12 whistle.
Illinois' runs seemed to come in decent spurts. A 10-2 run put the Illini back up seven at (59-52).
Michigan State would try to creep back, but Illinois would keep the game outside five points for a bit after their run.
Tom Izzo would take a timeout with 2:14 left in the game down three (65-62).
Malik Hall took it upon himself to will to the rim and get Michigan State within one point with a minute to go (66-67).
Michigan State would use its final timeout with 23.6 seconds remaining, trailing by three (68-71).
A couple of final three attempts from Walker and Hoggard wouldn't fall, and the Illini walked out with a win, 71-68 in the last.
Closing
Michigan State falls to 9-7 (1-4), for the first time a 1-4 mark in Big Ten play under Tom Izzo. It becomes a real uphill battle for the Spartans.
Not only does this spell trouble for a chance at the Big Ten, but the bubble is a real word to watch if wins aren't found.
Once again, a season not where fans would have liked, with a roster that had the most promise since Winston and Tillman departed.