Stopping freshman phenom Kasparas Jakučionis is the biggest mission for No. 12 Michigan State basketball against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday.

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

Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, top left, blocks a shot by Penn State guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) as Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

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

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

Izzo is taking the threat of the Illini seriously as he prepares his Spartans for Sunday's matchup in East Lansing

The 14th-ranked Spartans (13-2 ... for their third road game of the conference season. NUMBERS GAME:Tom Izzo reveals Michigan State basketball's battle cry that sure is working Tipoff at Welsh ...

EAST LANSING — Tom Izzo arrived to his postgame news conference heated. Never mind No. 12 Michigan State basketball’s 10th straight win. Or the Spartans’ sixth in a row to open Big Ten play.

Now in his 30th season leading Michigan State, Izzo has gone against the grain plenty of times and sees a kindred spirit in Dan Campbell. The fourth-year coach of the Lions is as aggressive as they come in keeping the offense on the field on fourth down.

EAST LANSING, Mich. No. 12 Michigan State extended its perfect Big Ten record to 5-0 on Sunday when it bested Northwestern, 78-68, on the road. The Spartans hel

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