CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois coach Brad Underwood had tears in his eyes after his Illini upset Tom Izzos ninth-ranked Michigan State Spartans.
Michigan State is a great team, and Tom is a great coach, Underwood said. Theyre everything I want to be.
Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points, and the Illini used its swarming defense to shock the Spartans. Illinois forced 24 turnovers by Michigan State, including 17 in the first half.
Fans stormed the court after the Illini dribbled out the final 9 seconds of the game.
I mean, its just one of 20 (Big Ten games), I know, Underwood said. But man, its also more than that, you know? It feels like one of those defining moments, I think, where we found out who we are.
Giorgi Bezhanishvili scored 16 for Illinois (8-15, 4-8 Big Ten), and Trent Frazier added 15 as the Illini handed the Spartans (18-5, 9-3) their third straight loss.
I think that first half was as good a defensive effort as I have ever coached, Underwood said. It led to some really good offense for us.
Cassius Winston led the Spartans with 21 points. Xavier Tillman added 16.
