Since 1997, the Michigan State Spartans have gone to every NCAA tournament as they now look to go for their 23rd straight. They will need to be on top of their game the rest of this season going against the rest of their opponents; in order to make it there. Beating a ranked team will hopefully tip the odds more in their favor and to the positive side of things. It is make-or-break time for the Spartans as they still have a chance at the NCAA tournament next month.
Illinois hoped to come out of this match with an easy win, getting one step closer to clinching a No. 1 seed in the tournament. While they are still in the running, they need to improve for the upcoming games to make it a reality.
This season, the Spartans have been on quite a bumpy road, having trouble winning matches and being the aggressive team on the court that everyone knows them. In this match, however, the Spartans found their rhythm and started playing a more dynamic game, shutting down the Illinois offense and powering through their defense the whole time.
Proving their worthiness, the Spartans held the lead the entire game aside from the first 5 minutes and 30 seconds when Illinois was up with 5 points on the board. Each time Illinois would make the gap in points a little tighter, the Spartans exploded and increased it once again, never leaving a generous opening for their opponents to overtake the lead from them.
Standouts for the home team were Aaron Henry and Joshua Langford, who worked as a great duo to pull out a victory. Others were Rocket Watts and Joey Hauser (13 points apiece), who also stepped up their game. Henry managed 20 points while Langford obtained another 15, along with a career-high 16 rebounds. It is known that Langford did not have an easy comeback; he missed last season of college ball with multiple injuries, and at the beginning of this season, was placed on the COVID-19 list. This made him miss even more practices and matches. His bounce back this game proved the odds did not affect him; he showed up big for his team tonight.
While the Spartans were in control, Illinois top players were scrambling all over the court, unable to slow them down. Ayo Dosunmu is typically on top of his game, but it was not his night; he only earned 17 points. Trent Frazier was Illinois’ top man, putting up 22 points for himself and the most individually for the match.
Many were shocked by the Illinois loss, including the players themselves. Frazier commented on how it felt to lose to the Spartans, saying, “They punched us in the mouth.” He also noted that despite losing, “This game doesn’t define us.” Now the main goal is to keep fighting and learn from their mistakes.
Coaches and players on the Spartans’ side were very pleased with the turnout, coming off with their heads held high. Hall-of-Fame coach, Mike Izzo, praised his team’s victory, declaring, “…we fought and scrapped and that’s all you can ask of a team.” He also noted Langford’s hard work proclaiming, “I’m so happy he played so well and that he’s leading so well.” Langford ended off the commentary, noting that if they want a chance to go to the tournament this year, “The margin for error is really, really slim.”
Up Next
The Spartans take on No. 4 Ohio State at home on Thursday, February 25th at 9:00 ET. This can be watched on ESPN.
Illinois hopes to be more prepared comng up, as they face Nebraska at home on Thursday, February 25th. Tipoff is at 7:00 ET and will be broadcasted on BTN.
