The ferocious Big Ten Conference is beginning to catch up to Tom Izzo’s Spartans. Their double overtime win over Kentucky in November, and eight-game win streak spanning through December and January seem like distant memories as they have now lost five of their last seven contests.

Tyson Walker scored 15 points to lead five scorers in double figures and No. 12 Michigan State pulled out a 78-77 win over Portland in the fifth place game of the Phil Knight Invitational.

Malik Hall forced two extra periods with dunks off inbounds plays, and Michigan State outlasted No. 4 Kentucky 86-77 in double overtime after Oscar Tshiebwe concluded his strong season debut by fouling out.

Drew Timme had 22 points and 13 rebounds, and led No. 2 Gonzaga in a spirited comeback from a 12-point deficit that carried the Bulldogs to a 64-63 victory over Michigan State on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln at North Island Naval Air Station.

Seth Lundy hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:37 remaining and finished with 17 points as Penn State beat No. 19 Michigan State 62-58.

AdIn the opening 20 minutes against Illinois, he matched a career high with 10 rebounds and scored seven points to help Michigan State lead 36-26. The Alabama was a highly touted recruit when he signed with Michigan State five years ago in a recruiting class that included Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. Michigan State: Izzo, a Hall of Fame coach, hasn't missed the NCAA Tournament since 1997. POLL IMPLICATIONSThe Illini, who haven't won at Michigan State since 2015, will likely slip in the AP Top 25 after getting upset as a seven-point favorite. Michigan State welcomes the fourth-ranked Buckeyes on Thursday night.