The Michigan State Spartans earned another massive win as they took down the Illinois Fighting Illini at home on Sunday afternoon. One key aspect to their performance was a significant reason why they are still undefeated in 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.

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