MSU-Illinois highlights

Key stretch

Illinois cut an eight-point deficit to three with less than seven minutes left, but MSU's Drew Neitzel responded with a 3-point dagger to make it 49-43 MSU. Then, after a stop and a strong defensive rebound from Drew Naymick, the Spartans got a big play from Goran Suton. He drove, spun and scored, plus the foul. MSU's lead did not dip below six again.

Unsung hero

Travis Walton filled his role perfectly, cranking up MSU's defensive pressure and helping force Illinois into some crucial second-half mistakes. Walton also hit a big jump shot with 8:15 left in the game and MSU's offense struggling. It pushed the Spartans' lead to 46-41. Walton finished with four points, four assists, three turnovers and a steal.

Quotable

"I was looking over at (official) Ted Hillary to see if he'd raise the arm (to signify a 3-pointer). I was out there, I thought it had a chance. So I'm still 0-for-0 in my career from 3-point range."

MSU senior center Drew Naymick, on his late, long jump shot

"I don't know, they're all throwing up, so I don't know. I was gonna throw up a couple times during the game."

MSU coach Tom Izzo, on sick players Raymar Morgan, Durrell Summers and Kalin Lucas

What's next

The regular season wraps up Sunday in Columbus, Ohio. The Spartans will take on Ohio State at noon (Big Ten Network). The Buckeyes badly need a win to enhance their NCAA Tournament hopes. Regardless of the outcome, MSU and OSU will meet again in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, March 14 in Indianapolis.

- Joe Rexrode