Fighting Illini 42, Spartans 41
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WWJ) - It came down to the final shot but the Michigan State Spartans fail to connect and lose to the Fighting Illini of Illinois 42-41 on Tuesday night.
The Spartans (17-5) were behind by two points at the half - fortunate not to be trailing by more as Green sat out almost 11 minutes of the first half of play with three fouls and now may be lost to injury after coming down hard on his knee with only minutes left in the game.
Branden Dawson had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, Adreian Payne had 12 points in the loss for MSU.
The Spartans had the opportunity to control their destiny - with final possession of the ball Keith Appling missed a jump shot which would have given the Michigan State the win but Illinois rebounded to end the game.
Brandon Paul scored a game high 18 points and 9 rebounds for the Illini, who go to 16-6.
The Spartans will host the Michigan Wolverines on Feb. 5, tune in to WWJ 950 for the 1 p.m. tip-off.
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