Halftime: Illinois 22, MSU 20

The Spartans have two assists, 10 turnovers, 7 baskets on 30 attempts, a Draymond Green with no points and three fouls -- and they're down a basket.

    That's because they're playing very good defense, mixing things up when Meyers Leonard gets the ball, communicating well and contesting most shots. And it's because Branden Dawson has been the best player on the floor through 20 minutes. You can see his confidence growing -- and you can see that Keith Appling and Brandon Wood need some.

    As usual when these teams meet, this will come down to the final few possessions. MSU needs Green to be able to come back and give something despite the flu and the fouls.