MSU will looks to avoid its first four-game losing streak since December 2008, and the team has been held to less than 70 points in the last four games — dating back to Jan. 7 at Penn State when the Spartans won 75-65.

That season, the Spartans rebounded to finish 13-5 in the Big Ten and reached the Sweet 16.

The Spartans are coming off their largest loss of the season, a 67-49 drubbing by Purdue where MSU set season lows for points in a half and game.

A visit from Illinois should help the Spartans’ recent offensive struggles as the Illini are currently the Big Ten’s worst defensive team, allowing opponents to score a league-low 71.3 points per game.
MSU beat Illinois both times they played last season.

In their first meeting, MSU won 70-57 with then-junior forward Lykendra Johnson tallying a double-double scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Later in the season, the Spartans traveled to Illinois and knocked off the Illini 69-56 and were led by future Big Ten Player of the Year Kalisha Keane’s 27 points.

Despite being one of only two Big Ten teams without a win in conference play, Illinois does have an elite player in forward Karisma Penn — who is capable of causing problems for the Spartans.

Penn is a do-everything forward, ranking among the conference’s 10 best in points, rebounds and assists and, at 6-feet-2 inches tall, presents an imposing presence inside.

Averaging 17.1 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game, Penn will be an interesting match up for reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Lykendra Johnson, who will likely be tasked with guarding her.

In two games against MSU last year, Penn had her way with the Spartans, averaging 28.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
MSU has been dominated in its past three games, trailing for all but the opening minutes of the Jan. 15 game against Ohio State.