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Bob's buzzer beaters | Illini let late lead slip away

bob asmussen, the news-gazette, champaign-urbana, ill.
·4 min read

Feb. 10—Sign up for our daily basketball newsletter here

Every Illinois game against Michigan State has been difficult. Forever.

The teams entered Saturday's game at the Breslin Center with the series tied 64-64.

The oddsmakers knew. Despite being ranked No. 10, Illinois went into the game as an underdog.

Well, the edge goes back to the Spartans. And will remain that way until next season. Unless the teams meet again in the Big Ten tournament. Please, please, please.

Michigan State rallied late in the game and scored a crucial 88-80 victory against Brad Underwood's team. The victory was likely a must as the Spartans look to continue a 25-year streak of qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

"You can't turn it over," Brad Underwood said on postgame radio, lamenting defensive miscues as well. "The senseless fouls and and-ons ... that's the ballgame."

"We got every shot we wanted," he said. "Again, you cannot turn the ball over especially on the road.

1

With Saturday's loss making it an 0-1 week, Illinois will drop from the Top 10 in The Associated Press Top 25 when it is released on Monday. It was a road game, which is mitigating, but I still expect the Illini to dip a few (or more) spots.

2

Terrence Shannon Jr. played his best game since returning from suspension. He kept his team close at half (Michigan State led 44-41) with 16 points. No other Illini had more than six at the break.

Shannon finished with 28 points.

DOWN GOES NO. 10 @MSU_Basketball upsets Illinois in East Lansing‼️ pic.twitter.com/yWJSPjZryN

— CBS Sports College Basketball (@CBSSportsCBB) February 10, 2024

3

Like other announcing teams since Shannon returned, the CBS crew made little reference to the player's legal troubles. They did say he had been charged with sexual assault but ignored chants from the Michigan State crowd.

This @IlliniMBB jam pic.twitter.com/u9yEEJLEq1

— CBS Sports College Basketball (@CBSSportsCBB) February 10, 2024

4

The smart folks at CBS, which is broadcasting Sunday's Super Bowl, had former Illini offensive lineman Nick Allegretti and ex-Michigan State long snapper Taybor Pepper wish their alma maters good luck in Saturday's matchup. They are starting in the Super Bowl for the Chiefs and 49ers, respectively. Pepper has a strong Illlinois connection. His dad Cam is a former offensive lineman at the school and mom Donna is an alum.

5

During the pregame show, CBS Sports' Tim Doyle picked Michigan State to win, pointing out the Spartans success at home and Illinois' struggles in true road games. A reminder, Doyle played basketball at Northwestern.

6

Andrew Catalon and former Villanova coach Steve Lappas called the game on CBS. Many years ago — as Illinois looked for a new head coach, I suggested in column that Lappas should be considered. The hire that time was Lon Kruger. which worked out well for Illinois.

Lappas does a fine job and has carved a nice post-coaching career as a broadcaster.

7

Perhaps reporters should start noting the games when Coleman Hawkins DOESN'T get a T'd up. It happened again Saturday. Unfortunately, a technical also counts as a personal foul toward the five needed for disqualification. So, when he picked up his second foul with 8:47 left in the first half, Hawkins was forced to the bench.

8

The T's were going around Saturday. Late in the first half, Michigan State's Jaden Akins received a technical after talking to the Illinois players when he hit a three-pointer. Feisty Michigan State coach wasn't happy with his player.

9

Lappas pointed out Illinois' early advantage on offensive rebounds. For years, Michigan State has been a dominant program when it comes to rebounding. But this year, not so much.

10

Always fun watching Hall of Fame coach Izzo storming up and down the sidelines. He was a guest of Underwood's at the most recent Coaches Vs.Cancer event at Gordyille. Izzo wowed the fans with his brutal honesty and great sense of humor. Those who there certainly had a different feeling about the longtime rival after hearing his talk.

11

The Illini Rebounders had their second watch party of the season, gathering at The Landing at Legends in Champaign.

Besides cheering on their favorite team, the loyal Illini group raised money for Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club.