Michigan State Downs Illinois, 87-74

CHAMPAIGN – Illinois sophomore Kipper Nichols scored a career-high 27 points and hit 5-of-8 from behind-the-arc, but it wasn't enough as No. 6/6 Michigan State left State Farm Center with an 87-74 victory Monday night.

The Spartans led 39-32 at halftime and the Illini would get no closer than 5 in the second half. Michigan State had a season-high 25 turnovers, but overcame that by shooting 68.2 percent from the field (30-44), a State Farm Center visiting team record, and controlling the glass with a 37-15 rebounding edge over Illinois.

Trent Frazier (13 points) and Leron Black (12 points) joined Nichols as Illini in double figures, while Miles Bridges (31 points, 8 rebounds) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (21 points, 11 rebounds) led the Spartans.

Next up for the Illini, the Indiana Hoosiers come to State Farm Center on Wedneday night, Jan. 24 (8 pm CT on BTN).

TEAM NOTES

    Illinois forced Michigan State into a season-high 25 turnovers.

    Illinois' 25 forced turnovers against Michigan State were the Spartans most since turning it over 27 times vs. Arizona 11/23/2005.

    Illinois forced Michigan State guard Cassius Winston into a career-high eight turnovers.

    Michigan State shot 68.2 percent (30-44), a State Farm Center record by an opponent. The previous record was 65.4 percent by Northwestern (34-52) 3/9/1971.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

    Redshirt sophomore forward Kipper Nichols scored a career-high 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range. Nichols had a career-high five three-pointers.