No. 10 Illinois edges Michigan State 71 68, improving to 3 1 in the Big Ten and 12 3 overall

Marcus Domask scored 15 points, including four free throws in the closing minutes that helped No. 10 Illinois hold off Michigan State 71 68 on Thursday night. Coleman Hawkins and Ty Rodgers also scored 15 points apiece for the Illini (12 3, 3 1 Big Ten), who bounced back after a close loss at then No.

1 Purdue on Friday . Advertisement Tyson Walker scored 17 points and A.J. Hoggard added 16 for the Spartans (9 7, 1 4), who fell into a last place tie with Michigan in the conference standings. Michigan State got within one point three times in the final two minutes, the last on Walker’s layup that cut Illinois’ advantage to 69 68 with 35 seconds left.

Advertisement Domask was fouled and sank both free throws. Walker and Hoggard each missed tying 3 point attempts in the final 15 seconds. Michigan State led 48 42 with 13 minutes, 22 seconds remaining, but Illinois responded with a 10 2 run. A Walker layup tied the game at 52 before Illinois went on a 7 0 burst, capped by a 3 pointer from Hawkins.

The Illini led the rest of the game. Chicago Tribune Sports Weekdays A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy . > Illinois improved to 3 1 without star Terrence Shannon Jr.

, who has been suspended by the university because he’s facing a rape charge in Lawrence, Kansas. Shannon is seeking a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court in Springfield that would force the university to reinstate him. His case was scheduled to be heard on Friday. His arraignment on the rape charge is scheduled for Jan.

18. A trial isn’t expected to begin until June. Big picture Michigan State: Coach Tom Izzo said he was embarrassed and that he was responsible for not getting his team ready after the Spartans’ 88 74 loss at Northwestern on Sunday. The Spartans responded with a more spirited and physical effort against the Illini.

Illinois: Domask, Hawkins, Quincy Guerrier and Luke Goode have picked up the slack since Shannon was suspended, and it was Rodgers’ turn Thursday. He scored 12 points in the first half. Up next Michigan State: Hosts Rutgers on Sunday. Advertisement Illinois: Hosts Maryland on Sunday..