Saturday night in East Lansing delivered one of the most electric finishes of the Big Ten season so far, as No. 10 Michigan State edged out No.
5 Illinois in a wild 85-82 overtime thriller at the Breslin Center. In a conference loaded with parity and pressure, this one had all the makings of a March preview - big-time shot-making, late-game drama, and a star stepping up when it mattered most.
That star? Jeremy Fears Jr.
The freshman guard was nothing short of sensational, pouring in 26 points and hitting 12 of his 13 free throws - including several clutch ones in overtime - to help the Spartans steal a game they trailed for nearly 31 minutes. His poise at the line and control in crunch time helped Michigan State snap Illinois’ 12-game winning streak, a run that had included impressive road wins over ranked foes like Nebraska and Purdue. Simply put, Fears was the difference.
And it’s a moment that hits even harder considering what happened just days earlier.
Coming off a tough 76-73 loss to Minnesota, where Fears’ decision-making drew some heat - including from head coach Tom Izzo - the pressure was on. But in true Izzo fashion, the Hall of Fame coach didn’t hold grudges. He recognized growth, resilience, and leadership when he saw it.
“He proved his colors, and that’s why his coach has faith in him,” Izzo told Fox Sports’ Steve Smith after the game. That’s a big statement from a coach who’s seen his fair share of big-time players rise - and fall - under the weight of the Big Ten spotlight.
This one had everything. Illinois looked in control for most of the night, with four players scoring in double figures and forward David Mirkovic leading the way with 18 points. The Illini were physical, efficient, and composed - until Michigan State turned up the heat late.
Illinois forward Jake Davis hit two clutch free throws to send the game into overtime after a late foul in regulation, and Zvonimi Ivisic nearly flipped the script again with a late steal on an inbounds pass. But the Spartans weathered it all, leaned on Fears’ steady hand, and made just enough plays to close it out.
This was the only regular-season meeting between the two teams, which adds even more weight to the result. For Illinois (20-4, 11-2 Big Ten), it’s a rare stumble in what’s been a dominant stretch. But they won’t have much time to dwell - Wisconsin comes to town on Tuesday in what’s shaping up to be another high-stakes conference clash.
Michigan State, meanwhile, will also face Wisconsin next - this time on the road in Madison. That’s never an easy trip, but this win could be a turning point for a Spartans team that’s been searching for consistency.
What’s clear is that the Big Ten is as top-heavy - and unpredictable - as ever. Between Illinois, Wisconsin, Purdue, and now a surging Michigan State, the race for the regular-season crown is far from over.
And if Saturday night was any indication, we’re in for one wild ride down the stretch.