Michigan State Stuns No. 5 Illinois in Overtime Thriller, Snaps Skid in Style
When you knock off a top-five team in college basketball, you earn the right to dance - even if you're in a walking boot.
That was the scene in the Michigan State locker room Saturday night, where the Spartans let loose after a gritty overtime win over No. 5 Illinois. The energy was electric, the music was loud, and yes, even Divine Ugochukwu - sidelined with an injury - was on his feet, boot and all, celebrating with his teammates.
And they had every reason to.
This was more than just an upset. It was a statement win for a Michigan State team that desperately needed a spark.
Coming off back-to-back losses to in-state rival Michigan and a struggling Minnesota squad, the Spartans entered the weekend looking for answers. What they found instead was resilience.
Trailing for most of the game, Michigan State clawed their way back in the second half. They tightened up defensively, made timely buckets, and forced overtime against one of the nation’s most formidable teams. Once they got there, they didn’t flinch - out-executing Illinois down the stretch to seal the kind of victory that can flip a season.
This wasn’t just about snapping a two-game losing streak. This was about reminding people - and maybe themselves - of what this team is capable of when it locks in. The Spartans didn’t play a perfect game, but they played with heart, and that was enough to topple a top-five opponent.
The celebration afterward wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was about relief, momentum, and the belief that this team still has something to say in the Big Ten race. The locker room turned into a mini dance floor, with players letting loose and soaking in a moment that felt earned.
Coen Carr captured the spirit of the night with a video posted to Instagram, showing the team in full celebration mode. Ugochukwu, despite his injury, joined in - a sign of just how much this win meant to the entire group.
Now, the challenge is to build on it.
Michigan State heads to Madison next for a Friday night matchup with Wisconsin - a tough road test against a team that doesn’t give much away at home. But after a win like this, the Spartans have momentum on their side and a locker room that believes again.
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Don’t be surprised if they’re dancing again - but only if they bring the same fight they showed against Illinois.