The Michigan State Spartans (19-5) travel to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-8) on Saturday, February 15th. This game will be played at State Farm Center in Champaign and televised on FOX. Illinois is coming off a win in their previous game, while Michigan State is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Indiana. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Michigan State Spartans vs Illinois Fighting Illini

The Spartans Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Michigan State’s season record dropped to 19-5 after a 71-67 loss to Indiana on Tuesday. The Spartans, who were -11.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 32-29 at halftime, Michigan State scored 38 points in the 2nd half but allowed 39 points to Indiana. The game’s total points of 138 fell short of the 148.5 O/U line.

The Fighting Illini Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games

The Illini improved to 17-8 with an 83-78 win over UCLA on Tuesday. Playing at home, Illinois was a -7.5 point favorite going into the game, but they didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 161, surpassing the over/under line of 147.5.

Illinois led 31-25 at halftime but allowed 53 points in the second half while scoring 52 of their own. Despite the defensive lapse, they managed to hold on for the win.

Spartans Offense Breakdown

Michigan State struggled from beyond the arc in their last game, hitting just 4 of 23 three-point attempts for a 17.4% shooting percentage. Overall, they shot 38.2% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 41.8%. Their two-point shooting was more efficient, as they connected on 53.1% of their attempts inside the arc.

At the free-throw line, the Spartans were solid, making 21 of 25 attempts for an 84% success rate. Malik Reneau led the team with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaden Akins and Oumar Ballo each contributed 14 points, with Ballo shooting 75% from the field.

Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown

Illinois put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 50.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 60.4%. They hit 64% of their two-point attempts and connected on 39.3% from beyond the arc, making 11 threes. At the free-throw line, they were nearly perfect, going 18-for-20 for a 90% success rate.

Tyler Bilodeau led the way with 25 points, hitting 7 of 12 from three-point range. Kasparas Jakucionis added 24 points and 8 rebounds, while Tomislav Ivisic contributed 16 points, making 4 of 6 threes. Kobe Johnson was perfect from deep, hitting both of his attempts and finishing with 14 points.

Spartans Team Defense

Michigan State’s defense held their opponent to 71 points, allowing them to shoot 38% from the field. The Spartans gave up 17 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 53% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Michigan State limited their opponent to 4 made threes on 23 attempts, a 17% shooting clip. They also sent them to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 21, shooting 84%. The Spartans allowed 12 offensive rebounds.

Fighting Illini Team Defense

Michigan State’s defense held their opponent to 71 points on 38% shooting from the field. They allowed 17 made two-point shots on 32 attempts, a 53% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Michigan State limited their opponent to just 4 made threes on 23 attempts, a 17% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 21 of those attempts for 84%.

Spartans vs Fighting Illini Trends

• In their last three games away from home, the Spartans have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs. the spread. The team averaged 68 points per game in this stretch.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Fighting Illini offense has averaged 80 points per game while allowing an average of 76. Illinois posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 3-7 ATS.
• As the betting underdog, the Spartans have an ATS mark of just 7-3 in their last ten games. Michigan State posted a straight up mark of 3-7 in these matchups.
• Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Fighting Illini have an overall record of 3-2 while going 2-3 against the spread.

Spartans vs Fighting Illini Prediction

We’re putting our money on the Fighting Illini to win, and have the projected score sitting at 77-69. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Fighting Illini at -5.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 155.5, and our model projects the Spartans and Fighting Illini to reach a combined total of 146 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.