The MSU men’s basketball team is hoping rapper Drake wasn’t a prophet in “Forever” when he said, “Like a sprained ankle, boy, I ain’t nothing to play with.”
As if going into Champaign, Ill., wasn’t hard enough with the Orange Krush, Illinois’ student section, and an appearance by ESPN’s College GameDay, the No. 5 Spartans might be forced to play without junior guard Kalin Lucas, who sprained his ankle in Tuesday’s loss to Wisconsin.
Although the Spartans (19-4 overall, 9-1 Big Ten) handled the Illini (15-8, 7-3) in East Lansing a few weeks ago, Illinois is part of a pack of Big Ten teams two games behind MSU in the standings.
With a date against Purdue next week, a win in Champaign would be monumental for the Spartans. A loss Saturday and the Spartans could see their once three-game lead drop to one.
With another late tip-off (9 p.m.), it will be important for MSU to weather the sure-to-be hostile Assembly Hall crowd early — something they couldn’t do in Madison, Wis.
Here are the key matchups for Saturday’s game.
Frontcourt
The Spartans shut down Illinois center Mike Tisdale in their last meeting with a little help from the officials, who whistled him for four fouls. Tisdale was held to just two points due to a superb game from sophomore forward Delvon Roe. It will be hard to shut down Tisdale for a second time, especially without a true big man who can matchup well with Tisdale.
Advantage: Illinois
Backcourt
If Lucas is unable to play, sophomore guard Korie Lucious will have to lead the MSU guards against Illinois guard Demetri McCamey — the Big Ten’s assist leader. Even without Lucas, the Spartans have too much outside depth with junior guards Durrell Summers and Chris Allen.
Advantage: MSU
Coaching
Following MSU’s loss to Wisconsin, MSU head coach Tom Izzo was quick to say he did not do a good job preparing his team. Don’t think he didn’t take that to heart. Izzo surely has motivated himself to do a better job and when that man is focused, good things get done.
Advantage: MSU
Intangibles
Tuesday was just the second Big Ten road loss for the Spartans in the past two seasons. This team has been able to rally when their backs are against the wall. Just as the team was starting to pull it together Tuesday night, Lucas went down. Someone will have to take charge if Lucas doesn’t play because the Illini surely will be ready to defend their home court in front of a national audience.
Advantage: Even
Prediction: MSU 65, Illinois 63
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