CHAMPAIGN, ILL. (AP) -- Unranked Illinois has beaten three members of the Top 25 this season, but it's toughest test so far comes Saturday when the Illini will play at No. 7 Michigan State.
The Spartans (14-2, 4-0) have won 10 in a row. That includes surviving a scare Wednesday at Penn State, 78-73. The Spartans' last loss was to North Carolina, and the Tar Heels were ranked No. 1 at the time.
Illinois (15-2, 3-1) comes into the game after thumping No. 25 Michigan 66-51 on Wednesday. Illini coach Bruce Weber said the games this week against the two schools from Michigan will tell his team a lot about whether they can contend in the Big Ten.
A win Saturday would also likely put Illinois in the Top 25.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO