Illini survive close call

CHAMPAIGN — Even as the game ended, it wasn’t clear Illinois’ three-game losing streak actually was over.

After the buzzer sounded following a missed Michigan State shot, the officials convened to review the last play. It wasn’t until a few seconds later that an official indicated everyone could go home and Assembly Hall erupted as much in relief as in celebration of the 42-41 victory.

In a physical game that produced more bruises than highlights, it still felt great for the Illini.

“We really don’t care at all,” Illini guard Brandon Paul said. “It’s a W. It’s a confidence builder. It was a character win. I think we out-toughed them.”

Weber accurately described the game a “WWF” match against the No. 9 Spartans (17-5, 6-3).

While Illinois (16-6, 5-4) is accustomed to down-to-the wire games, losing its last three by an average of 3.7 points, it is not used to smiling at the end of them.

They nearly goofed this one away as well.

Illinois relinquished its six-point second-half lead only to tie the game 40-40 on freshman point guard Tracy Abrams’ gutsy 3-pointer. Paul, who scored a game-high 18 points, made two free throws but then missed the front end of two one-and-one opportunities in the final 26 seconds.

Spartans center Derrick Nix made one of two free throws to keep the Spartans behind by a point.

“That’s literally the thing I hate most when I miss free throws,” Paul said, mentioning the ball was overinflated.

Illinois was outrebounded 49-32, including 23-10 on the offensive glass, but Michigan State’s 24.1 percent shooting and 16 turnovers helped swing things Illinois’ way. Illinois shot only 32.6 percent, including 3 of 17 on 3-pointers, and made only 9 of 17 free throws along with 12 turnovers.

Illinois benefited most perhaps from the absence of Michigan State forward Draymond Green, who was sick before the game.

He picked up three fouls in the first five minutes, much to the delight of the Illini crowd dressed in blue for the game. Green headed to the bench after picking up a technical foul and remained there for almost six minutes of the second half.