Two months ago, Illinois turned out could-this-really-be-happening moments with victories against Butler and Gonzaga. Those wins now seem like they happened to another team in another era.

Michigan State looked at the start of the season like it was finally having a down year, losing to Connecticut and Miami and struggling against Boise State and Louisiana-Lafayette.

Both Big Ten teams have reversed course, but the Illini (15-6, 2-5) will try to join the No. 13 Spartans (17-4, 6-2) on an upward journey with an upset tonight in East Lansing, Mich.