The Illinois Fighting Illini lose their second straight game in the Big Ten, this time to the Michigan State Spartans by five points yesterday in East Lansing, Mich.
Spartans guard Keith Appling scored the game high with 24 points. He also contributed eight rebounds and seven assists. Gary Harris put up 14 points for the Spartans.
The Illini sophomore guard Tracy Abrams was the best player for Illinois with 16 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals. Brandon Paul had 13 points for the Illini.
Illinois (15-7, 2-6 Big Ten) continues to struggle in the Big Ten after a hot start to the season. This is their second loss in a row to an opponent from the state of Michigan. This is also their second straight loss to a ranked Big Ten opponent. Michigan State (18-4, 7-2 Big Ten) got a big win after losing to then seventh ranked Indiana the game before.
The Spartans was able to hold the Illini to 36 percent shooting from behind the three point line, which is how the Illini usually defeated their opponents early in the season. They also out rebounded the Illini 29-22.When the Illini struggles to rebound they usually struggle to get the win.
The Illini face Wisconsin in a rematch of an game earlier in the season. The Illini hopes to avoid their third straight Big Ten loss as well as avenge the decimation the received at the hands of the Badgers in their first game.
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