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

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

EAST LANSING — The quarter pole of the 20-game Big Ten season for Michigan State basketball arrives Sunday. And Tom Izzo still is not sure what to make of his team’s hot start — as well as ...

Michigan State and coach Tom Izzo are enjoying a stellar season with a 15-2 record, currently on a 10-game winning streak and holding the No. 12 spot in the latest AP Top 25 rankings.

Tom Izzo on Michigan State's 90-85 victory against Penn State.

No. 19 Illinois (13-4, 5-2 Big Ten) will visit Breslin Center for Sunday’s noon tip. The Fighting Illini are the highest-rated team Michigan State has faced since Kansas in the Champions Classic, led by star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis. Both he and Illinois will be a major test for the Spartans.

Michigan State senior forward Frankie Fidler had his best performance of the season in the Spartans' win over Penn State on Wednesday. Watch as he talks about his role, the team's upcoming test with No.

Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects

Scott Richey covers college basketball for The News-Gazette. His email is [email protected], and you can follow him on Twitter ( @srrichey ).

A look at Michigan State's basketball game Sunday against Illinois – including matchup analysis, how to watch, the betting line, and a prediction.

The Michigan State Spartans have gotten out to a great start to the season, with a 15-2 record. But they haven't proven themselves against the best of the best in the conference quite yet.