No. 8 Michigan State is in the midst of a bit of a break before it returns to the hardwood to take on Rutgers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.While the Scarlet Knights are just 3-5 in conference play,

No. 12 Michigan State got the test that many were waiting for when it hosted No. 19 Illinois on Sunday afternoon. The Spartans passed the

Coach Boss lost his mother over the weekend. Tom Izzo had one of his biggest games of the season on Sunday against Illinois, but that didn’t stop him from calling both Coach Boss, and Boss’ father, multiple times on Sunday to check on them and give his condolences.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo had high praise for the Spartans' next opponent, the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Izzo is taking the threat of the Illini seriously as he prepares his Spartans for Sunday's matchup in East Lansing

Tom Izzo's impact is felt beyond the basketball court and throughout Michigan State's athletic department and community.

Connor Earegood asks Tom Izzo about rebounding in win over Illinois.

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo is impressed by what he sees from Illinois. The Spartans beat Illinois Sunday.

Tom Izzo sees No. 12 Michigan State basketball getting tougher after beating No. 20 Illinois on Sunday, but also knows so will the Spartans' schedule.

Stopping freshman phenom Kasparas Jakučionis is the biggest mission for No. 12 Michigan State basketball against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday.

A look at the best-attended Rutgers basketball games on record. Plus: Will Steve Pikiell go back to Madison Square Garden in the future?