An important game in Big Ten College Basketball action takes place today between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans. The game is scheduled for a noon start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the Betting Odds for the game have the Spartans favored by almost double digits to pick up the win.
Michigan State hasn't played in almost a week, beating rival Michigan in overtime last weekend. The Spartans welcome in an Illinois team that is looking to get above .500 in conference action. Michigan State sits in fourth place all alone in the Big Ten and picking up wins at home over teams below them in the standings are imperative for Tom Izzo's team for another NCAA Tournament appearance.
Illinois is led by Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn, both of whom have stepped up since Rayvonte Rice went down with an injury back in January. Hill and Nunn have guided Illinois to a pair of victories in their last two games and three of their last four overall. Today's game against Michigan State won't be easy on the road as Illinois is just 1-5 away from home this season.
Michigan State has picked up a pair of wins in each of their last two games and three of their last four as well. The Spartans are 10-2 at the Breslin Center this season and have several winnable games down the stretch, giving them a very nice opportunity to make a run at the tournament and potential Big Ten title if they can knock off Wisconsin and get some help.
MSU plays well when Denzel Valentine, Travis Trice and Branden Dawson are doing well. Today they pick up their fifth straight win at home, beating up Illinois on the boards.
Free Pick: Michigan State 66, Illinois 55
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