Michigan State and Illinois meet for the first time this season, as both teams enter the contest with two-game winning streaks. The all-time series between Michigan State and Illinois is tied at 57, with MSU owning a 36-19 advantage in games played in East Lansing. MSU has won eight of the last 12 against Illinois and 10 of the last 15. Look for Michigan State to come away with a comfortable win.

Here are my keys to game:

Spartans strong defense in conference play- On the season, MSU is limiting teams to 62.3 points on .385 FG%, including .304 from 3-point range. The Spartans lead the Big Ten in FG pct. defense and 3-point FG pct. defense, while ranking fifth in scoring defense.

Spartans revenge-Illinois defeated Michigan State, 53-46, on March 1, 2014, in East Lansing. The Fighting Illini held a 12-point lead midway through the first half, but the Spartans rallied to tie the game at 28 at the half. Don't think Tom Izzo and his group have forgotten about that upset loss.

X-Factor- Spartans big man Branden Dawson is a force underneath the rim. Branden Dawson leads the Big Ten in rebounding at 10.1 boards per contest. In conference games, he's averaging a Big Ten-best 11.9 rebounds, recording double-figure rebounds in eight of nine games.

Selection: This is a play on Michigan State.(8*)