Illinois knocks down No. 9 Michigan St.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill — Brandon Paul was the only Illinois player in double figures to help the Fighting Illini to a 42-41 victory over Michigan State at Assembly Hall. Defense or bad shooting was the factor in this game with Illinois shooting 32.6 percent from the field and Michigan State shooting 24.1 percent. Another big factor for the Michigan State Spartans was that Draymond...

The Fighting Illini football program signed 19 football players to scholarships Wednesday. New coach Tim Beckman is pleased with his group despite problems resulting from the lateness of his hiring. He spoke at length about his new class Wednesday.

Among the Fighting Illini Junior Day visitors was a good looking defensive end from Chicago Morgan Park. Khairi Bailey and his father got a chance to see the school and meet the new football coaching staff. They came away impressed.

The Fighting Illini basketball team eked out a 42-41 victory over Michigan State at the Assembly Hall Tuesday night. It was like watching two elephants mud wrestling, but any win is essential after a three game losing streak. It came against an aggressive and athletic Spartan team ranked #9 in the country with aspirations on a conference championship. The Illini live to fight another day.

Fifteen members of the Fighting Illini swimming and diving team will travel to Minneapolis, Minn., for the second weekend in a row to compete in the Minnesota Challenge, Feb. 3-4. The women will compete in three sessions during the course of the weekend, beginning at 6 p.m. CT on Friday, followed by 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The No. 19 Fighting Illini will battle the No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes at Huff Hall on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. live on the Big Ten Network. Complete Meet Notes (PDF) | Live Stats |

The Fighting Illini basketball team, mired in a three game losing streak, has the task of hosting a talented Michigan State team Tuesday night in the Assembly Hall. The Spartans are one of the league leaders and have plenty of athleticism and skill. The Illini need vocal fan support to get back on a winning track.

Six members of the Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team, including seniors Tyler Mizoguchi, Paul Ruggeri and Anthony Sacramento, junior Austin Phillips and freshmen C.J. Maestas and Michael Wilner, will compete at the 2012 U.S. Winter Cup Challenge.

University of Illinois head coach Tim Beckman announced his first Fighting Illini recruiting class on Wednesday. Signing Day Headquarters | Recruit Highlights |