Illini fall to 12-18 with loss to Michigan State
Surprisingly, Las Vegas called the Big Ten Conference basketball game between Illinois and No. 17 Michigan State a pick 'em Thursday. The Illini are going nowhere in a season filled with heartbreak and frustration. At the same time, Michigan State is a possible top 5 seed in the NCAA tournament.
The Spartans have some issues while playing on the road, but they answered some of those questions in a 59-51 victory at Assembly Hall despite three players suffering from the flu.
While Illinois fell to 12-18 overall, tying a school record for losses in a single season, and 4-13 in the Big Ten, Michigan State heads into the postseason as somewhat of an unknown.
Guard Drew Neitzel scored 17 points to lead the Spartans, who improved to 24-6 overall and 12-5 in the Big Ten by winning for the sixth time in the last 24 Big Ten road games over the last three seasons.
"I think it's a good team,'' said Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. "We have a chance to be a real good team. When we're running and taking care of the ball, I still think we can make a run at someone this year. Right now, we're not consistent enough to compare us to some of the real good teams we've had.''
Illinois doesn't have that kind of debate working this season. The loss assured the Illini the No. 10 seed heading into the Big Ten tournament next week at Indianapolis.
"We just haven't been able to get over the hump,'' said Illinois coach Bruce Weber. "We don't have the consistency. Obviously, we're short some shooters, so it's disappointing.
"We played with energy, especially in the first half. Like most of the season, when you don't shoot well and don't shoot free throws well, it takes a toll on you. We had eight turnovers in the second half. When you're not a good shooting team and you don't get opportunities, it puts you in a bind.''
The Illini host Minnesota on Saturday (noon, Big Ten Network) on Senior Day. The Illini already defeated the Gophers 84-60 in February. While the rest of this season is all about getting something going for next season, the Illini still haven't been able to string together back-to-back conference victories.
After falling to 0-8 this season against top 25 opponents, Illinois failed to beat any of the league's Big Four -- Wisconsin, Indiana, Purdue and Michigan State.
Illinois jumped to a 21-11 lead thanks to 10-for-14 shooting from the field, but Michigan State methodically trimmed the lead and grabbed control following a 7-0 run to break a 31-31 tie to start the second half. The Illini were 9-for-19 from the free-throw line while the Spartans hit 10-for-11.
Illinois senior center Shaun Pruitt scored a team-high 13 after scoring 11 in the first half. He had just one field-goal attempt after halftime.
Illinois senior Brian Randle returned from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the loss to Wisconsin on Feb. 20. Randle's injury was first thought to be a season-ender, but he logged 10 minutes and scored seven points against the Spartans.
"I just came to the gym, and I was ready to play,'' Randle said. "I talked to the trainer. I told them to tape me up, and we'll go from there. It started to feel better. I just tried to come off the bench and give them a spark.''
Michigan State center Drew Naymick scored 12 points, and the Spartans improved to 3-5 on the road in the Big Ten this winter.
"It was a big win for us because our people don't think we can win a game on the road,'' Izzo said. "That's true. We haven't won as many in the last couple of years. This was a tough game, especially coming off a big win (103-74 over Indiana Sunday).''
Sitting in the bleachers next to redshirting guard Jamar Smith, junior college sophomore power forward Dominique Keller made an official recruiting visit to Illinois. Keller is a 6-foot-7, 235-pounder from Lee College in Texas who had made no other official visits before the trip here.
Playing on a team that finished with a losing record, Keller averaged 25 points and nine rebounds while playing predominantly inside.
Keller will remain on campus through the Minnesota game before returning to Texas. He has a scholarship offer from the Illini.
Mississippi State, Mississippi, Oregon State and Oklahoma State have also apparently made scholarship offers to Keller. Kentucky has also shown some interest.
NOTES: If Indiana wins at Penn State Sunday, the Illini open against Iowa in the Big Ten tournament. If Penn State beats Indiana, the Illini would open against the Nittany Lions. … Pruitt needs two points to reach 1,000 for his career.
John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. For more coverage, read Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com and www.pjstar.com.
Illinois report card
Front court: C-
Shaun Pruitt had a strong first half but had trouble getting a shot in the second half. Rodney Alexander provided little contribution.
Back court: D
The guards were 5-for-19 from the field. Freshman Demetri McCamey had six turnovers.
Bench: C
Brian Randle came back from a dislocated shoulder that looked like it might end his career and gave the Illini a boost. Otherwise, the youngsters had trouble keeping up with Michigan State's experience.
Overall: C-
The Illini started quick but couldn't finish. With only one more home game remaining before the Big Ten tournament, the late season goal of getting momentum for next season is fading fast. Getting a win on Senior Day on Saturday would ease some of the pain for the seniors, but Illinois failed to get a win against the league's top four teams this winter.