At 15-2, Illinois is set to play Michigan State, the heir apparent to the Conference title in the Breslin Center on Saturday.  It’s a tall order for any team but expect Illinois to show up and make it a game.  With the series split with Michigan and a huge road win against Purdue in their back pocket, Illinois’ only other loss is to undefeated and #9 Clemson by two points (a game they should’ve won).  The Illini coulda, shoulda been 16-1.

Flying Illini

No doubt, Michigan’s split against Duke this season and it’s upset of UCLA catapulted Michigan hoops to the forefront of most improved teams in the Big Ten.  Bielien has done in one season what Tommy Amaker was unable to do in what seemed like the fifteen years he was in Ann Arbor: get the Wolverines to play as a team.

But to Hoopraker, watching Bruce Weber spin his magic this season has been most memorable.  The development of the sophomores, Demetri McCamey, Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis, is a testament to coaching.  The growth of Chester Frazier as a leader is undeniable.  They’re balanced on offense and play tough, Weber-Keady defense. Still, perhaps because Illinois is perceived to lack a true star, the Flying Ilini are flying under the radar.

Spartan Tough

For the Spartans, they should have Badgers loss in the Kohl Center fresh in their noggins, a reminder to never overestimate the value of the home court, particularly against a well-coached team. Still, on paper the Spartans are a tough match up for Illinois, with depth inside and out, the ability to score inside and out, and a strong program-wide commitment to defense.  Kalin Lucas continues to impress with his ability to lead and play under control. Click here for Spartans Weblog’s pre-game.

With the North Carolina game now more of lesson of what it takes to beat a great team, the Spartans have slowly put together a streak of consistent and well-played games.  Illinois will need the confluence of three strong performances from McCamey, Davis and Tisdale to pull out a huge road upset.  Michigan State’s defense of those players will most likely determine the outcome of the game.  Should be a good one.

Posted by TD Lawlor on Saturday, January 17th, 2009 at 9:43 am.