Tom Izzo called Michigan State basketball's continued second-half defensive issues "a problem" after an 90-85 win over Penn State on Jan. 15, 2025.

It was a ninth straight win and fifth in a row to open Big Ten play as No. 14 Michigan State basketball beat Northwestern but showed some flaws late.

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

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

They have also caught the attention of Tom Izzo, the head coach of their next opponent, the No. 12 Michigan State Spartans. "Right now, from what I saw the last two times I watched Illinois ...

Now in his 30th season leading Michigan State, Izzo has gone against the grain plenty of times and sees a kindred spirit in Dan Campbell. The fourth-year coach of the Lions is as aggressive as they come in keeping the offense on the field on fourth down.

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo thinks Illinois is one of the best teams in the country, and the best in the Big Ten. That statement takes on new meaning, considering the Spartans defeated Illinois on Sunday.

As long as Tom Izzo is the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, they’re not a team that should be overlooked.

An incensed Tom Izzo called Michigan State basketball's second-half defensive issues "a problem" after surviving Penn State for a 10th straight win.

No. 12 Michigan State will look to keep its unblemished Big Ten record alive on Wednesday when it hosts Penn State.

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.