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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) – Cory Bradford got tired of being kicked
around by Michigan State. On Tuesday night, he kicked back.
After struggling all season to find his shot while playing with
a gimpy knee, the preseason conference player of the year scored 22
points in helping Illinois (No. 6 ESPN/USA Today, No. 7 AP) beat the fourth-ranked Spartans
77-66 Tuesday night to take over first place in the Big Ten.
|  | | Charlie Bell wraps up Illinois' Brian Cook, right, before Cook can get possession of the ball. |
Bradford made six 3-pointers and the Illini finished with 10 for
their first victory over the Spartans since 1998.
"These guys have been kicking our butts the last couple
years," Bradford said. "They've been the team to beat in the Big
Ten. We felt it was our time to take over."
Michigan State (18-3, 7-3) is not ready to concede the
conference championship even though coach Tom Izzo did concede
Illinois (18-5, 8-2) outplayed the Spartans on Tuesday.
"We're going to try to win the next six," Izzo said. "We've
been in this position before. I don't think the Big Ten is won in
one game. This team has some young players and they have to grow
and realize one, two or three mistakes can cost you a game."
Michigan State was 3-for-18 from 3-point range, most of the
misses coming during two lengthy runs by the Illini to finish both
halves. But Izzo said the Spartans lost because of "complete
mental breakdowns" on defense, especially against Bradford.
"We had some defensive lapses and you can't leave him open,"
Spartans guard Charlie Bell said. "... It takes a lot out of you.
He was knocking down every shot he took, even with a hand in his
face."
Illinois also got 14 points from Frank Williams and 12 from
Brian Cook. Jason Richardson led Michigan State with 19 points and
Bell added 14.
Illinois coach Bill Self deemed rebounding a key to the game.
The Spartans lead the nation in that stat. Illinois lost at East
Lansing last year mostly because it got outrebounded 41-16. On
Tuesday, Michigan State's advantage on the boards was just 35-29.
The Spartans could not be as aggressive inside because their big
men were in foul trouble most of the second half and Illinois' big
men can shoot the 3, Izzo said.
Michigan State had an even harder time dealing with Illinois'
depth and versatility because the Spartans played on Sunday and had
just one day to prepare, Izzo said.
Midway through the first half, Illinois' pressure defense became
a factor. Bradford hit a 3-pointer, the Illinois press forced
Michigan State into a turnover in the backcourt and Williams hit
another 3.
That started a 22-8 run that ended with another 3-pointer by
Lucas Johnson, giving Illinois a 34-27 lead with 1:37 left in the
first half. Zach Randolph hit two free throws to make it 34-29 at
the half.
The second half started much like the first, with Illinois
sloppy and Michigan State taking advantage by scoring the first 10
points to regain a 39-34 lead with 17:14 to go.
"We felt good but we knew that wasn't the end of the game,"
Bell said.
The Illini began driving inside, and Michigan State's Richardson
and Andre Hutson each picked up their third fouls.
With Richardson and Hutson on the bench, the Illini began what
would be the decisive run. Damir Krupalija made two free throws to
give Illinois the lead for good, 51-50 with 9:35 remaining.
Bradford followed with another 3-pointer as the Illini went on a
22-9 run that ended with Illinois ahead 73-59 with less than two
minutes left.
The orange-clad Illinois students began gathering along the
sidelines before the final buzzer, and stormed the court afterward.
A giddy Bradford, flashing a rare smile, declared the Illini
contenders for the national championship. If so, Williams said it
will be because of Bradford.
"This will be the starting point where you see a whole new
Cory," Williams said.
Before Tuesday, Bradford had not scored more than 20 points in a
game yet this season.
"He's drug his leg around a good portion of the games so far
and never once complained," Self said. "Tonight, he had a
different bounce. He was awesome. He got those 3s against one of
the best defensive teams in the country."
Izzo said Bradford should not have been left open as often as he
was.
"He reminded me more of how he's played the last couple years,"
Izzo said. "I don't think he's had that kind of game yet this
year. We gave him some wide-open looks. We made some mistakes and
he made us pay."
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ALSO SEE
Men's College Basketball Scoreboard
Michigan State Clubhouse
Illinois Clubhouse
Vitale: Illinois tops MSU
AUDIO/VIDEO
 ESPN's Stuart Scott takes a closer look at Illinois' Big Ten battle with Michigan State.
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
Cory Bradford's 3-pointer proves to be a back-breaker for Michigan State.
avi: 1430 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
The Spartans' Jason Richardson dumps the ball off to Andre Hutson for a fast-break dunk.
avi: 1240 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
Brian Cook pulls down the offensive rebound and follows it up with the basket and foul.
avi: 1640 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
Michigan State's Charlie Bell hits a high-flying Jason Richardson for an alley-oop dunk.
avi: 1550 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
Illinois' Sergio McClain drives the lane and scores a beautiful layup.
avi: 1200 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
Sean Harrington fakes out his defender and knocks down an Illini three.
avi: 901 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
 Coach Bill Self talks with ESPN's Jay Bilas after the Illini upset Michigan State.
wav: 308 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Illinois' Cory Bradford says he is ready to take over the Big Ten after his 22-point performance.
wav: 386 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
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