An incensed Tom Izzo called Michigan State basketball's second-half defensive issues "a problem" after surviving Penn State for a 10th straight win.

Izzo is taking the threat of the Illini seriously as he prepares his Spartans for Sunday's matchup in East Lansing

As No. 14 Michigan State basketball heads to Northwestern atop the Big Ten, Tom Izzo is unsure of what to expect in the unpredictable conference race.

The Spartans' win over Illinois bought breathing room against one of the Big Ten's most dangerous title contenders.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo had high praise for the Spartans' next opponent, the Illinois Fighting Illini.

EAST LANSING, Mich ... but Illinois should prove to be its toughest conference opponent yet. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo previewed the contest when he addressed the media after his team's ...

Tre Holloman had 17 points, Coen Carr and Frankie Fidler scored 11 each and No. 12 Michigan State held on to beat No. 19 Illinois 80-78.

EAST LANSING — Tom Izzo arrived to his postgame news conference heated. Never mind No. 12 Michigan State basketball’s 10th straight win. Or the Spartans’ sixth in a row to open Big Ten play.

Tom Izzo managed to beat his old friend Brad Underwood on Sunday as Michigan State basketball held on to beat Illinois at home. It was a tough, grind-it-out win over Illinois as the Spartans struggled to hit shots, but they did outperform Illinois at the free throw line and that was ultimately the difference.

No. 12 Michigan State was able to defeat No. 19 Illinois on Sunday, despite its two leading scorers on the season -- senior guard Jaden A

Tom Izzo could only smile and chuckle, shaking his head admiringly, after watching his Michigan State Spartans lay it all on the floor vs Illinois.