EAST LANSING — Tre Holloman scored 17 points and Jaden Akins made a tough layup from the left Michigan State Basketball its 11th straight victory Sunday to remain undefeated in the Big Ten, holding off No. 20 Illinois in a wild finish, 80-78, at the Breslin Center.
MSU hasn’t lost since Nov. 26, a loss to Memphis in Maui.
The Spartans (16-2, 7-0 Big ten) led by seven with 3:53 to play, but tensions rose when the Illini (13-5, 5-3) cut the score to 76-75. That’s when Akins drove left and made a tough jump layup with 1:14 left.
The Illini scored a layup and forced an Akins miss, but MSU forced a turnover with 5.9 seconds left on the ensuing possession. Holloman made both free throws to take an 80-77 lead, then MSU fouled before the Illini could attempt a tie-3 with 5.4 seconds left.
Illinois made the first free throw, missed the second on purpose, but got the offensive rebound, but was cautioned for an over-the-board violation while attempting the putback with a player falling out of bounds .
MSU next plays Saturday at Rutgers (10-8, 3-4).
More: What makes Tom Izzo special to Michigan State? He will tell you “directly”
This breaking news will be updated soon.
This article was originally published on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball barely grinds out a huge 80-78 win over Illinois
