Michigan State Basketball Struggles with Three-Point Shooting

The Illinois basketball team is struggling significantly this season, particularly due to an overreliance on three-point shooting, which has led to disappointing performances and a potential drop in NCAA tournament seeding. In their recent game against #11 Michigan State, Illinois shot only 21.2% from beyond the arc, which is reflective of their overall season trend of poor shooting from distance. Meanwhile, Michigan State, once a strong contender with an 18-2 record, has also faced challenges, currently ranking among the worst in the nation for three-point shooting. The Spartans have lost three of their last four games, leading to a drop in their seeding prospects for the NCAA Tournament, as they are now projected to be no higher than a No. 5 seed. Both teams are facing critical junctures in their seasons, with Illinois needing to adjust their offensive strategy and Michigan State requiring improvement in their shooting efficiency to have any hope of advancing in March. The competition within the Big Ten remains fierce, making these adjustments essential for both teams' tournament aspirations.