MSU Win Streak Snapped By Illini, 75-51

By JIM PAUL
Associated Press Writer

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Michigan State shot its way into first place in the Big Ten, and misfired its way right back out.

The Spartans had shot 56 percent over its first nine conference games, including 73.3 percent in a Saturday victory over Ohio State that gave them sole possession of the conference lead. But they shot just 42 percent in a 75-51 loss to Illinois on Tuesday night.

"They guarded and we didn't," Spartans coach Tom Izzo said. "We got what we deserved. The better team won. I'm just disappointed that in such a big game we didn't compete better."

Luther Head's 3-point shooting and James Augustine's play under the boards helped the Illini (16-5, 7-3) win their fourth straight as they bumped the Spartans (12-9, 7-3) out of the Big Ten lead. The Illini and the Spartans are tied for second, percentage points behind Wisconsin.

"I think it's just us coming together as a team," said Head, who scored 15 of his 17 points from behind the arc. "Right now, I think everybody's on the same page and we're playing harder and playing together."

Izzo said Head's shooting was a catalyst for Illinois, but said his team's 3-point defense was lacking.

"If we don't start defending, we can't win the big games," he said. "This was a big game that we didn't even come close to winning."

Augustine had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Deron Williams added 15 points for Illinois, which hit 50 percent of its shots. The Illini effectively shut down Michigan State's inside game and forced the Spartans to take most of their shots from outside.

"Defense has been our key to our success as of late," Williams said. "We're taking a lot of pride in that. They lead the Big Ten in every category offensively. It was a challenge for us and we met it."

Shannon Brown was the only Spartans player to break double figures, scoring 12 points. Michigan State's leading scorer, center Paul Davis, scored only 8 points, half his average, and played just 22 minutes.

Illinois broke the game open with a 12-0 run over the final 5:41 of the first half. After Chris Hill's two free throws cut the Spartans' deficit to 23-20, the Illini ran off four straight 3-point plays to build a 35-20 lead.

The sellout crowd of 16,618, most dressed in orange for "Paint the Hall Orange Night," erupted when Head hit a 3-pointer from the left wing with 2:15 to go in the half and got even louder when Dee Brown hit another with 1:41 to go. Augustine hit another basket and free throw before the break.

"It was amazing," he said. "This is as good as it gets with having a home-court advantage."

Illinois, which wore orange uniforms for just the second time this season, outscored the Spartans 13-6 in the first three minutes after play resumed.

"We kept it going. A great finish to the first half, we came out and shot the ball so well," said Illini coach Bruce Weber. "We were clicking at both ends."

Illinois' defense has come to life since a 76-56 loss at Wisconsin on Jan. 24. The Illini have held their past four opponents to 2 points or less for stretches of more than 5 minutes.

"A lot of teams play good defense, but we seem like we have enough energy to sustain it and stay after people," Weber said.