MSU wins 61-57 after a gritty performance over Illinois. MSU is now 15-11/7-7. The ES is bullish on the Spartans, trending up as they get back to basics (defense, inside game, rebounding) and heal. Anytime Delvon Roe is in the game, Spartans play grittier, smarter, and just better defense. And, Lucas is hitting his stride, playing like an All-American on both sides of the floor.

MSU vs opp last three games:

...................ILL...............Oh St............. Penn St
W/L.......... W................. L.................... W
K. Lucas:.. 25 pts.......... 14 pts........... 24 pts
Score:....... 61-57........... 61-71............ 75-57
Rebs:........ 38-30.......... 30-22........... 38-23
FG%:........ 42%-37%.... 57%-43%..... 52%-41%

Next up: @ Minn, vs Purdue, vs Iowa, @ Mich. The ES predicts 3 out of 4, and a 18-12/10-8 fourth place finish into the Big Ten and NCAA tourney.