The Spartans' 7-0 start in Big Ten play is their best since the 2018-19 season when they last played in the Final Four.

Facing its toughest test of the conference season Sunday, the No. 12 Michigan State men’s basketball team (16-2, 7-0 Big Ten) won a tightly contested game against No. 19 Illinois, 80-78 at Breslin Center. Taking advantage of foul trouble and making a number of finishes under contact and pressure, the Spartans remain atop the Big Ten standings.

Tom Izzo thought Sunday’s game against Illinois had a chance to be an instant classic and one of the best environments the Breslin Center has seen in recent memory. It was that and then some. Michigan State’s toughest test to date in the Big Ten lived up to the hype and

Tre Holloman scored 17 points to lead No. 12 Michigan State to an 80-78 win over No. 19 Illinois on Sunday in East Lansing, Mich. Frankie Fidler and Coen Carr

Tre Holloman had 17 points, including two free throws in the closing seconds, No. 12 Michigan State held on to beat No. 19 Illinois, 80-78.

The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans picked up their 11th straight win with an 80-78 triumph over Big Ten foe and 19th-ranked Illinois on Sunday. Michigan State got balanced production from its starters and bench.