Posted January 29, 2012 11:00 pm

Michigan State (17-4, 6-2) at Illinois (15-6, 4-4)

When: Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Assembly Hall

TV: ESPN

Radio: WIND 560-AM

Skinny: The bad news is that Illinois has to try to snap its three-game losing streak against No. 10 Michigan State. The good news? The Illini have responded with a victory each of the last four times following three consecutive losses.

The Spartans are the third Top-10 team the Illini have faced this season, following a 78-74 loss to No. 9 Missouri (Dec. 22) and a 79-74 victory over No. 5 Ohio State (Jan. 10). The Illini are 4-5 in home games against Top-10 opponents under Bruce Weber. Two of those wins have been against Michigan State. The Illini defeated the No. 7-ranked Spartans at the Assembly Hall in 2006 and beat No. 5-ranked MSU at “The Hall” in 2010.

Illinois is promoting Operation Blue-Out for Tuesday night’s game. All fans are encouraged to “wear blue to beat cancer.”

Next: Illinois hosts Northwestern, 2 p.m. Sunday

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