Big Ten fans and experts across the nation were looking forward to the Michigan State-Illinois Big Ten showdown. The Orange Crush was out in full force, and the game in Champaign had all the intensity you would ever want.

	Brian Cook battles Charlie Bell in Illinois' 77-66 victory over the Spartans.

Illinois prevailed 77-66 despite a slow start. The team was so juiced up and that hurt early. The Illini had to settle down and play basketball. They did, and the crowd got into it.

To me, the game was bigger for Illinois because of the remaining schedules.

Bill Self's team has trips to Purdue, Indiana, Ohio State and Minnesota coming up. Knowing that, Self felt that this was a must-win contest if Illinois is to win the Big Ten regular-season title. The league title race is far from over.

Remember, this was the only meeting between the Spartans and Illini in the regular season.

You could tell early on this was going to be a physical battle. Illinois' Lucas Johnson and Michigan State's Jason Richardson really went at it. There were some great battles under the boards.

The keys to the Illini victory were simple: the 3-point shot and free throws. Cory Bradford really responded with the trifectas. You could tell he felt it as he released each shot.

Marcus Griffin told me this was the biggest game of his career. Illinois played like it. Illinois also showed its depth. Damir Krupalija, Lucas Johnson and Robert Archibald were factors off the bench, providing muscle inside. Bradford and Frank Williams got a few open looks.

As Williams goes, so go the Illini. He is a unique point guard, possessing great scoring ability as he breaks down defenses. Illinois got good contributions from Brian Cook and Sergio McClain as well. It was a team effort.

Self's squad got back into the game by shooting the 3-pointer, while Michigan State struggled with the long-range jumpers. That was a major factor in the first half; without the trifectas, Illinois would have been out of the game.

Michigan State's stars were shining, but it wasn't enough to get to the winner's circle. Charlie Bell, who had been in a slump, showed flashes with his perimeter jumper and transition ability. Bell has been a model guy throughout his career for the Spartans, a quality athlete and person.

Richardson, the baseline beauty, showed his impressive quickness in the open court. He really explodes to the basket, showing why he's one of the most exciting players in the game.

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Remember, this was the only meeting between the Spartans and Illini in the regular season. ”

Richardson reminds me of another flying No. 23, Michael the Magnificent. Don't write me that I said he was Michael Jordan -- Richardson just plays like a high-flyer, baby! Richardson is the most improved player in America. Now he's a superstar in the college game.

I love diaper dandy Marcus Taylor's poise for the Spartans. He came in with such high expectations and anticipation, and he performed well in a big road game.

Michigan State plays with such a passion, unselfishly. The Spartans make the extra pass and have tremendous balance. They have character and they will be back -- you can count on that.

Illinois made the right adjustments and got the job done. It was a battle of two quality teams, and both should be heard from come tournament time.

For now, the Illini holds the lead in the Big Ten. The Orange Crush enjoyed a big-time celebration in Champaign, baby!