Tre Holloman had 17 points, Coen Carr and Frankie Fidler scored 11 each and No. 12 Michigan State held on to beat No. 19 Illinois 80-78.

Michigan State senior guard Jaden Akins wasn't the scoring contributor he has been for much of the season in the No. 12 Spartans' victory over No. 19 Illinois on Sunday, but he was pleased to see his other teammates rise to the occasion.

The Spartans' 7-0 start in Big Ten play is their best since the 2018-19 season when they last played in the Final Four.

Facing its toughest test of the conference season Sunday, the No. 12 Michigan State men’s basketball team (16-2, 7-0 Big Ten) won a tightly contested game against No. 19 Illinois, 80-78 at Breslin Center. Taking advantage of foul trouble and making a number of finishes under contact and pressure, the Spartans remain atop the Big Ten standings.

Tre Holloman had 17 points, including two free throws in the closing seconds, No. 12 Michigan State held on to beat No. 19 Illinois, 80-78.

The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans picked up their 11th straight win with an 80-78 triumph over Big Ten foe and 19th-ranked Illinois on Sunday. Michigan State got balanced production from its starters and bench.