The Illini seek to end their two-game losing skid as they host the Michigan State Spartans on Tuesday night. In what should be an electric atmosphere at the sold-out State Farm Center, Illinois and Michigan State will battle their ways towards the top of the big ten.
It won’t be easy for either squad.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming match-up.
Both teams are in a slump
After winning seven games in a row, the Illini are coming off their second straight loss after falling at home to Maryland Friday night. The lack of production from center Kofi Cockburn has been a major factor in the Illini's struggles. During the two-game skid, Cockburn has averaged only 7.5 points and five rebounds, well below his season averages in both categories.
The Illini have also had trouble getting their shots to fall, shooting 38.75% from the field during their last two games.
As for Michigan State, the Spartans are currently on a three-game losing streak.
Following the Spartans loss Saturday at Michigan, Chris Solari of The Detroit Free Press pointed out how slow starts have been a “continuous trend” during their three straight losses. The Spartans have found themselves in double-digit deficits in each of those last three games. Scoring droughts and their nine turnovers per game have contributed to this slide.
Michigan State struggles on the Road
The Spartans are not the best road team, having lost four of their last five road games. During their last five away games, they have shot 40.1% from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc.
Sparty has averaged 14.7 less points than their season average during their five-game road stretch. They will now be walking into a tough environment against a tough opponent as the Illini are 12-2 at home this season.
The Illini big men will have their hands full
Michigan State Junior big man Xavier Tillman has been a problem for opponents this season. Tillman is averaging 13.4 points, 10.2 boards, and 2.2 blocks this season. In his match-up against the Illini earlier this season, he put up 19 points and seven rebounds. To go along with that, he blocked four shots and dished out six assists.
Kofi Cockburn isn't the only big man to blame for the Illini's two losses. Forward/center Giorgi Bezhanishvili has also struggled to play to his potential during the Illini two-game losing skid. He has averaged an underwhelming five points and six boards.
If the Illini look to defend home court, they will need their big men to step up and slow down opposing big man Xavier Tillman.
Prediction
When the Illini hosted then #9 Michigan State last season, the orange and blue walked out victorious. Guard Ayo Dosunmu nailed two clutch three-pointers to put the game away. The Illini will walk out of the State Farm Center victorious against the Spartans for the second year in a row with a 67-59 Fighting Illini win.