No. 11 Michigan State Beats Illinois 79-65; Izzo Passes Knight in Big Ten Coaching Victories
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State coach Tom Izzo added another historic milestone to his already legendary career Tuesday night as the No. 11 Spartans defeated Illinois 79-65 at a raucous Breslin Center. The win was Izzo’s 354th career Big Ten victory, moving him past Hall of Famer Bob Knight for the most conference wins by a coach in Big Ten history.
The victory was more than just another notch in the win column for Michigan State. It was a statement performance against a tough Illinois squad and a tribute to the sustained excellence that has come to define Izzo’s tenure in East Lansing.
“Records like this, they don’t happen overnight,” Izzo reflected after the game. “They happen because of all the players who believed in this program, all the staff who have given everything, and all the fans who have supported us every step of the way. I’m just proud to have been part of it.”
From the opening tip, Michigan State (18-4, 9-2 Big Ten) played with energy and purpose. Senior guard Tyson Walker led all scorers with 22 points, including a trio of timely three-pointers that swung the momentum back to Michigan State whenever Illinois tried to close the gap. Malik Hall added 15 points and eight rebounds, using his physicality in the paint to keep Illinois off balance all night.
The Spartans’ defense also set the tone. Michigan State forced Illinois into 14 turnovers and held the Fighting Illini to 40% shooting from the floor. Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 19 to lead Illinois (15-7, 7-4 Big Ten), but the Spartans contested his shots and limited second-chance opportunities with strong team rebounding.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood praised Michigan State’s effort after the game. “That was a team locked in,” Underwood said. “That’s what great teams do, and that’s what Tom Izzo has built here. Congratulations to him on the record — it’s well deserved.”
The game was tight early in the first half before Michigan State began to impose its will. A 10-2 run capped by an alley-oop dunk from freshman Xavier Booker pushed the lead to double digits. The Breslin crowd roared as Izzo pumped his fist on the sideline — a fitting image on a night that belonged to him.
Illinois responded with a run of its own, cutting the lead to six just before halftime. But Michigan State’s composure, a trademark of Izzo teams, showed in the closing minutes of the period. Walker hit a deep three with the shot clock winding down, and Hall grabbed an offensive rebound and putback to send Michigan State into the locker room up 41-32.
After the break, Illinois threatened to close the gap again, drawing as close as four points with 14 minutes to play. But the Spartans answered every challenge, often through the toughness and poise of Walker and Hall. Izzo credited his players for stepping up under pressure — just as so many teams have dur
