Illinois has been a stubborn out on its home court, where it has already beaten Michigan, Iowa and Northwestern. The surging Illini have won three straight, two by double figures, so it?s no accident they are small favorite Wednesday night when they host Michigan State. But it?s officially March and the Spartans, who got pounded by a rough nonconference schedule and have been erratic in Big 10 play, are finally rounding into form. They have won four of their last five and will continue their late-season surge and March Madness dress rehearsal with a hard-earned road win.