"We've just got to not give him easy looks, make his catches a little bit hard," Dosunmu said. "When I'm on him, make his shots difficult and keep a hand in his face. Pretty much that's it. We're really not denying this year, so now its' more about technique and locking into the scouting report."

Dosunmu is finding his grove, averaging 17 points over the last four games. Illinois has been trying to incorporate new pieces, namely Cockburn and a different role for sophomore Giorgi Bezhanishvili, into the offense this season.

"The work that I put in with the coaching staff and getting up extra shots and things of that nature," Dosunmu said. "I knew with the new team that we had, it was about everyone finding their role and everyone coming together.

"When we had a new team with Kofi, a new center, and Giorgi a new role, it takes everyone a bit longer getting to their game. I feel like I'm getting into a nice groove, just getting in the gym, making lots of shots and trying to win as many games as possible."

Cockburn has been a force, winning Big Ten Freshman of the Week five of the eight weeks, and gives Illinois a presence in the paint. The Illini rank No. 1 in the country in rebounding margin (plus-12.5) and Michigan State ranks No. 4 nationally (plus-11.5).