East Lansing — Michigan State was back at Breslin Center on Thursday night, and the hometown atmosphere suited the Spartans well.
Bryn Forbes scored 17 and Matt Costello had nine points and 14 rebounds, just missing his second straight double-double, as No. 5 Michigan State cruised to a 79-54 victory over Illinois.
It was the fourth game Michigan State played without Denzel Valentine, who hopes to get back on the court Sunday at Penn State, while Illinois was without leading scorer Kendrick Nunn, crippling an already depleted lineup.
The Spartans (15-1, 2-1 Big Ten) took advantage and broke open a tight game midway through the first half and led 47-22 at the break.