Illinois Prepares for Alabama; Purdue and Kansas Excel

Michigan State basketball secured a hard-fought victory over Samford, 83-75, with Jaden Akins leading the team with 25 points, although Jase Richardson left with a late ankle injury. Meanwhile, Purdue continues to excel despite losing key players, with Trey Kaufman-Renn scoring a career-high 26 points against Alabama, highlighting their strength in post-up plays. Kansas maintains its undefeated streak with a challenging matchup against UNCW, showcasing their dominance in the early season. Additionally, Duke faced Kentucky with young player Cooper Flagg battling cramps but still managed a solid performance. Illinois prepares to face a formidable Alabama team, focusing on their defensive strategies to counter Alabama's strong passing and frontcourt presence.