Michigan State @ Illinois

Michigan State defeated Illinois 29-10 in Champaign, IL on February 2, 2024, handing the Illini a 19-point loss at the University of Illinois. The dual was decided by a string of bonus-point finishes that swung the scoreboard decisively in East Lansing's favor.

Illinois had a major bright spot at 133 pounds when Anthony Madrigal downed Jaden Crumpler 13-2 by major decision, picking up four team points and keeping the dual within reach. That result represented Illinois’ primary bonus scoring in the match and was one of the few clear winning margins for the home team.

Michigan State answered with a decisive stretch of bonus victories that provided the margin. At 157 pounds Chase Saldate recorded a fall, worth six points. Later, Kael Wisler dominated at 197 with an 18-2 technical fall, good for five team points. The night ended emphatically at heavyweight when Josh Terrill pinned Peter Marinopoulos for another six points. Those bonus-point outcomes produced the run that put the dual out of reach and accounted for the bulk of Michigan State’s scoring.

With the bonus barrage and solid individual performances, Michigan State left Champaign with the road victory. Illinois showed fight in the competitive 133-pound bout, but the Spartans’ pins and technical fall were the turning point that decided the meet.