No. 8 Michigan State is in the midst of a bit of a break before it returns to the hardwood to take on Rutgers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.While the Scarlet Knights are just 3-5 in conference play,

Tom Izzo sees No. 12 Michigan State basketball getting tougher after beating No. 20 Illinois on Sunday, but also knows so will the Spartans' schedule.

Tom Izzo managed to beat his old friend Brad Underwood on Sunday as Michigan State basketball held on to beat Illinois at home. It was a tough, grind-it-out win over Illinois as the Spartans struggled to hit shots, but they did outperform Illinois at the free throw line and that was ultimately the difference.

An incensed Tom Izzo called Michigan State basketball's second-half defensive issues "a problem" after surviving Penn State for a 10th straight win.

No. 12 Michigan State got the test that many were waiting for when it hosted No. 19 Illinois on Sunday afternoon. The Spartans passed the

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

As Michigan State basketball enjoys its eight-game win streak heading to Northwestern on Sunday, senior Frankie Fidler's struggles continue.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo had high praise for the Spartans' next opponent, the Illinois Fighting Illini.

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