Two Big Ten teams came away with important wins on Thursday. They did it in different fashion, but in the end, they both got it done, and in conference action.
Illinois sets the tone early and never looks back
There was no mystery to Illinois’ plan on Thursday night. From the opening minutes at State Farm Center, the Illini imposed their will defensively and never gave Rutgers a chance to breathe. What began as a steady build turned into a runaway long before halftime.
Illinois jumped out early, locked down the perimeter, and turned missed shots into transition opportunities. By the break, the game was effectively decided. The Illini held Rutgers to just 16 points over the final eight minutes of the first half and walked into the locker room with a commanding lead.
That defensive edge has quietly become Illinois’ calling card. The Illini have now strung together multiple games of elite first-half defense, limiting opponents to low percentages and controlling the glass. The offense has remained efficient, but it is the defensive connectivity that stands out most as January progresses.
Keaton Wagler continued his strong stretch with steady production, while Tomislav Ivisic and Andrej Stojakovic helped Illinois dominate inside. Wagler finished with a game high 17, while Ivisic had 14 and Stojakovic ended with 12. The Illini won the rebounding battle decisively and never allowed Rutgers to threaten a comeback.
For a team long known for its offensive identity under Brad Underwood, Illinois is now winning games before the opposing offense ever gets comfortable.
Michigan State responds with composure and power
Unlike Illinois, Michigan State had to work for its win. The Spartans trailed at halftime and again early in the second half before flipping the game with physicality, rebounding, and second-chance points.
Once Michigan State found its rhythm, the momentum shifted decisively. The Spartans began winning the rebounding battle, pushed the pace selectively, and attacked defensive lapses. The turnaround felt familiar for a Tom Izzo-coached team that thrives on toughness and patience.
Carson Cooper anchored the effort inside, while Jeremy Fears Jr. took control offensively after halftime. Michigan State’s guards were more assertive, and the Spartans’ energy on the glass wore Northwestern down. Cooper had 18 points, while Fears aded 15.
It was not always clean. Michigan State dealt with turnovers and uneven free-throw shooting early, but the response after halftime showed why this group remains a factor in the Big Ten title picture. When the game tightened late, the Spartans had answers.
Big Ten standings show early separation at the top
The standings are beginning to take shape, and Thursday night only sharpened the picture. A small group has created early separation, while a crowded middle tier is positioning itself for a long January grind.
At the top, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Michigan Wolverines, and Purdue Boilermakers remain perfect at 4-0 in conference play. Each has handled early league challenges with consistency and shown the ability to win in different ways.
Just behind them sits Michigan State Spartans at 4-1. The Spartans have already navigated adversity, including slow starts and physical games, yet continue to stack wins and stay within striking distance of the top tier.
The next group is tightly packed and dangerous. Minnesota Golden Gophers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and Indiana Hoosiers all sit at 3-1. Each has shown flashes of a sustained run and has upcoming opportunities to climb quickly with the right result.
Ohio State Buckeyes follows at 3-2, very much in the mix but with less margin for error as the schedule intensifies.
Another cluster sits at 2-2, featuring Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin Badgers, and UCLA Bruins. None are out of the race, but all are searching for consistency as the conference calendar tightens.
What stands out most is how little separates these groups. One strong week can reshape the standings entirely. One slip can create immediate pressure. January in the Big Ten rarely forgives.
What’s next for Illinois?
Illinois will be tested immediately. The Illini head to Iowa on Sunday before returning home for a stretch that includes Northwestern, Minnesota, and Maryland. It is a critical four-game run that will reveal how sustainable Illinois’ defensive surge truly is.
If the Illini continue to defend at this level, they will be difficult for anyone in the league to beat.
Upcoming games
- at Iowa – Sunday
- vs Northwestern – January 14
- vs Minnesota – January 17
- vs Maryland – January 21
What’s next for Michigan State
Michigan State’s path is no easier. The Spartans host Indiana next before heading west for road games at Washington and Oregon. A home matchup with Maryland follows to close a demanding January stretch.
If Michigan State continues to respond the way it did Thursday, the Spartans will remain firmly in the Big Ten title conversation.
Upcoming games
- vs Indiana – Tuesday
- at Washington – January 17
- at Oregon – January 20
- vs Maryland – January 24
Illinois dominated from the opening tip. Michigan State showed its ability to adjust and overwhelm. Both results mattered, not only in the standings, but in what they revealed about two teams rounding into form as the Big Ten race begins to separate contenders from pretenders.