To be fair to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, there aren't as many Alan Andersons and Shannon Browns across college basketball as there once were. So when Izzo butchered the names of Kasparas Jakucionis,

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.

Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, top left, blocks a shot by Penn State guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) as Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

As long as Tom Izzo is the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, they’re not a team that should be overlooked.

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

Despite being on a seven-game win streak and 3-0 in Big Ten play, Tom Izzo sees areas where No. 14 Michigan State basketball must improve in a hurry.

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

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo thinks Illinois is one of the best teams in the country, and the best in the Big Ten. That statement takes on new meaning, considering the Spartans defeated Illinois on Sunday.

Tom Izzo said No. 12 Michigan State basketball must defend better Sunday against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday despite the Spartans' offensive upturn.

No. 12 Michigan State is heading into what will likely be its toughest conference game yet when it hosts No. 19 Illinois on Sunday.