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After finally reaching .500 in Big Ten play with a victory over Rutgers, Kendrick Nunn and the Illinois Fighting Illini (15-8, 5-5) are getting ready to kick off their toughest stretch of the season on Saturday as they're in East Lansing to face the Michigan State Spartans (15-7, 6-3). The all-time series between the two programs is tied 57-57. The two 2013-14 games were split; the Spartans took the first contest in Champaign by a score of 78-62 and the Illini followed suit with a 53-46 upset in East Lansing.
Game Time: 11:00 am CT
Television: The game will be televised on ESPN
Announcers: Bob Wischusen and Dan Dakich
Live Video Stream: ESPN will have a live stream available via WatchESPN
Odds: Michigan State opened as a 9 point favorite; the over/under hasn't been set yet
Radio: All Illinois Men's Basketball games air live on radio in the Champaign (WDWS 1400) and Chicago markets (WSCR 670). The game is broadcasted on other stations throughout the state; check the Fighting Illini Radio Network for more information.
Quick Hits
Illinois:
- B1G Standings: T-9th
- KenPom Ranking: No. 69
- RPI Ranking: No. 53
- Last Five Games (3-2): Indiana (L 74-80), Purdue (W 66-57), Minnesota (L 71-79), Penn State (W 60-58), Rutgers (W 66-54)
- Away Record: 1-5
- Points Per Game: 72.6 (64th)
- Points Allowed Per Game: 63.7 (108th)
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Leading Scorer:
Rayvonte Rice - 17.0PPG| Malcolm Hill - 14.6PPG -
Leading Rebounder:
Rayvonte Rice - 6.9RPG| Malcolm Hill - 5.3RPG
Michigan State:
- B1G Standings: 4th
- KenPom Ranking: No. 22
- RPI Ranking: No. 34
- Last Five Games (3-2): No. 14 Maryland (L 59-75), Penn State (W 66-60), Nebraska (L 77-79), Rutgers (W 71-51), Michigan (W 76-66 OT)
- Home Record: 10-2
- Points Per Game: 73.6 (53rd)
- Points Allowed Per Game: 62.3 (80th)
- Leading Scorer: Denzel Valentine - 14.4PPG
- Leading Rebounder: Branden Dawsone - 10.1RPG
*****
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