Instead, Indiana -- Knight's former school -- kept Izzo stuck on 353 victories with an unexpected comeback inspired by something Knight abhorred -- playing zone defense. Though the Hoosiers had played almost no zone previously this season, they switched to it late in the first half. Michigan State responded by shooting 4-of-23 from 3-point range.

The Spartans have lost three of their past four games, with a chance to snap the slump against a good Illinois team on the road.