Michigan State 63, Illinois 57

Jan. 17, 2009

Recap | Final Stats | Quotes | Photo Gallery 1 | Photo Gallery 2

Illinois vs. Michigan State
January 17, 2009
Post-Game Notes

•The Spartans are now 5-0 in the Big Ten which is the program's best start since the 1977-78 season when they went 7-0 to open conference play.

• With Marquise Gray scoring 11 points today, MSU improves to 16-1 all-time when he scores in double figures.

• With 10 points, Kalin Lucas has now scored in double figures in eight consecutive games. He has scored in double figures in 14 of 17 games this season and has 31 for his career.

• MSU outrebounded the Illini, 42-30, improving its record to 13-1 when outrebounding opponents.

• Michigan State has now won 28 consecutive games in the Breslin Center. Entering today's game, it was good for a tie with Utah State for third longest in the nation, behind only Notre Dame (45) and Kansas (34).

• MSU's win today was its third straight over Illinois. The Illini lead the all-time series, 53-52, while the Spartans lead 33-18 in East Lansing.

• The Spartans collected 18 offensive rebounds today which equaled Illinois' defensive rebound total. MSU has now recorded an equal number of offensive rebounds as its opponents defensive rebounds in consecutive games. The Spartans average of 14.7 offensive rebounds per game leads the Big Ten.

• The Spartans are now 5-0 with the starting lineup of Kalin Lucas, Travis Walton, Raymar Morgan, Delvon Roe and Goran Suton.

• The Spartans' 11-game winning streak is their best since reeling off 11 consecutive wins last season (Nov. 24, 2007-Jan. 8, 2008).

• Michigan State is 4-2 this season when trailing at the half and 5-0 when its opponents score under 60 points.

• MSU closed the game on a 12-3 run after trailing, 54-51, with 6:10 remaining.