Michigan
Hoggard scores 23, Michigan State bounces back to beat No. 10 Illinois 88-80
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State showed another flash of its potential, rallying to beat a top-10 team for the second time this season.
A.J. Hoggard had a lot to do with that.
Hoggard had 23 points, five assists, two steals and zero turnovers to lead the Spartans over No. 10 Illinois 88-80 on Saturday.
“A.J. has been a guy that I’ve been on for four years,” coach Tom Izzo said. “You saw why. He played extremely well.”
He wasn’t alone.
Malik Hall had 22 points and Tyson Walker scored 19 for the Spartans, whose previous victory against a highly ranked team was two months ago in a 24-point win over then-No. 6 Baylor.
“We beat one of the most talented, beat teams that we’ve played,” Izzo said. “What does that do for us? A lot.”
Michigan State (15-9, 7-6 Big Ten) came back from an eight-point deficit over the last six-plus minutes to earn the win and bounce back from a 59-56 loss to Minnesota earlier this week.
“I’m not sure I was ever as upset with my team as I was the other night,” Izzo said.
After missing free throws late in the loss against the Golden Gophers on Tuesday, the Spartans took advantage at the line with Hoggard making 12 of 13 and Hall connecting on 7 of 9 free throws.
“Give them all the credit,” coach Brad Underwood said. “They were obviously the aggressor. You’re a passive, soft team when you’re fouling.”
Hoggard’s three-point play with 4:10 remaining made it 72-all, the 13th tie of the game. Shortly thereafter, Michigan State scored eight straight points to take control.
The Fighting Illini (17-6, 8-4) failed to keep a late lead for the second straight game.
“I felt like we had the game up eight,” Underwood said.
Illinois led Nebraska by 10 with 3:29 remaining on Sunday before needing to go to overtime to secure a win.
Terrance Shannon Jr. had 28 points for Illinois and Coleman Hawkins scored 14. Marcus Domask was held to 12 points — eight below what he was averaging in conference games.
BIG PICTURE
Illinois: Losing leads late in games seems to be a problem for Underwood, but he doesn’t seem concerned.
“We missed shots. Maybe that’s it,” he said when asked if there were similarities in the late-game struggles.
Michigan State: Izzo’s team may never get back to its preseason ranking of No. 4, but it is starting to play closer to its potential at the right time.
“It was the most complete game we’ve had,” Izzo said.
SAY WHAT?!
Hawkins was called for a technical for saying something to the crowd following a 3-pointer early in the first half. Michigan State’s Jaden Akins drew a technical for taunting the Illini bench after making a 3-pointer with 49 seconds before halftime.
“They just told me it was a major point of emphasis,” Underwood said.
Izzo went toward Akins in anger after the technical and was held back by Hoggard.
“Jaden Akins has caused me less problems here than any player I’ve ever had,” Izzo said. “He’s one of the best students I got. He’s probably in the gym more than anybody I’ve got.
“But when I have a huddle and say, `Look guys. They called one. They’re going to call anything the other way.’ That’s why, and those two points could’ve been very, very critical.”
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Illinois earned a top-10 ranking in the first poll of February for the first time since 2006 and after its only game of the week, the team will likely fall in the AP Top 25.
UP NEXT
Illinois: Hosts Michigan on Tuesday night.
Michigan State: Visits Penn State on Wednesday.
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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
New Year’s Eve: 4 hacks to enjoy a bottle of champagne
Get the most out of your bubbly with these fun champagne hacks.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
The new year is nearly upon us, and if you’re looking for dining options to ring in 2025, Michigan will offer plenty of choices.
Most restaurant chains will remain open for the New Year’s holiday, including some 24/7 dining options.
Here’s what to know.
When is New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. New Year’s Day is Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
Will Applebee’s be open on New Year’s?
Yes, but Applebee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Biggby be open on New Year’s?
Some Biggby locations will be open on New Year’s. Check online for your nearest Michigan Biggby.
Will Big Boy be open on New Year’s?
Some Big Boy locations will be open for New Year’s. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Bob Evans be open on New Year’s?
Bob Evans restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.
Will Buffalo Wild Wings be open on New Year’s?
Many Buffalo Wild Wings will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Hours will vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan Buffalo Wild Wings.
Will Burger King be open on New Year’s?
Burger King’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.
Will Carrabba’s be open on New Year’s?
Carrabba’s locations’ New Year’s hours may vary. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Chick-fil-A be open on New Year’s?
Yes, Chick-fil-A locations will be open on New Year’s, according to the company. Hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan location.
Will Chili’s be open on New Year’s?
Yes, Chili’s restaurants are open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for your nearest Michigan Chili’s.
Will Cracker Barrel be open on New Year’s?
Yes, Cracker Barrel locations are open on New Year’s. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan location.
Will Denny’s be open on New Year’s?
Yes, Denny’s restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 24/7.
Will Domino’s be open on New Year’s?
Domino’s Pizza locations’ hours may vary on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Check online for your nearest Michigan Domino’s.
Will Dunkin’ be open on New Year’s?
Dunkin’ outlets’ hours may vary by location on New Year’s, so check the Dunkin’ store locator or the Dunkin’ Rewards app for your nearest Michigan location.
Will Hungry Howie’s be open on New Year’s?
Hungry Howie’s restaurants New Year’s hours may vary by location. Visit the Hungry Howie’s website to check with your nearest Michigan location.
Will IHOP be open on New Year’s?
IHOP hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.
Will Jet’s be open on New Year’s?
Jet’s Pizza’s hours may vary by location. Check the Jet’s website for your nearest Michigan location.
Will Jimmy John’s be open on New Year’s?
Jimmy John’s hours may vary by location. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Leo’s Coney Island be open on New Year’s?
Leo’s Coney Island’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.
Will Little Caesars be open on New Year’s?
Most Little Caesars locations will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan Little Caesars for specific hours.
Will McDonald’s be open on New Year’s?
Most McDonald’s sites will be open on New Year’s, the hours may vary by location, the company said. You can check the store locator for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Olga’s Kitchen be open on New Year’s?
Olga’s Kitchen restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Olive Garden be open on New Year’s?
Olive Garden’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for hours.
Will Panda Express be open on New Year’s?
Panda Express’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Panera be open on New Year’s?
Panera Bread’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan cafe.
Will Papa Johns be open on New Year’s?
Papa Johns Pizza’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Papa Johns.
Will Pizza Hut be open on New Year’s?
Most Pizza Hut locations will be open for regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. You can check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Pizza Hut.
Will QDOBA be open on New Year’s?
QDOBA restaurants will be open for normal store hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for specific hours.
Will Red Lobster be open on New Year’s?
Red Lobster restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Red Robin be open on New Year’s?
Yes, Red Robin burger restaurants will be open on New Year’s. You can visit the Red Robin website to check hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Starbucks be open on New Year’s?
Starbucks Coffee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check the Starbucks store locator or Starbucks app to check hours for your nearest Michigan location.
Will Subway be open on New Year’s?
Subway restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan location.
Will Taco Bell be open on New Year’s?
Taco Bell locations are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Texas Roadhouse be open on New Year’s?
Texas Roadhouse locations will be open on New Year’s, the company said. Locations will be open for normal hours or expanded hours, varying by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.
Will Tim Hortons be open on New Year’s?
Tim Hortons locations’ New Year’s hours will vary by location, the company said. Check online for your nearest Michigan Tim Hortons.
Will Wendy’s be open on New Year’s?
Many Wendy’s locations will be open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Wendy’s.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
Tips for protecting your lottery win
Michigan Lottery says annual complaints impact only a tiny percentage of the agency’s 10,500 retailers, but all are taken seriously and investigated.
Mandi Wright, Wochit
Mega Millions winning numbers are in for the Friday, Dec. 27 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $1.15 billion ($516.1 million cash option).
The winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions drawing are: 3, 7, 37, 49 and 55. The Mega Ball is 6. The Megaplier is 3x.
Check back to see if anyone won the Mega Millions jackpot.
The next Mega Millions drawing is Tuesday, Dec. 31. Drawings are held at 11 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. The jackpot will be at least $800 million ($401.8 million cash option).
How late can you buy a Mega Millions ticket?
In Michigan, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 10:45 p.m. on the night of the draw.
Mega Millions costs $2 to play.
What’s the Megaplier?
The Megaplier feature increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four or five times. It costs an extra $1 per play. The Megaplier is drawn on Tuesday and Friday before the Mega Millions drawing. The pool includes 15 balls. Five are marked with 2X, six with 3X, three with 4X and one with 5X.
What are the Mega Millions prizes?
- Match 5 White Balls + Mega Ball: Jackpot
- Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Mega Ball: $10,000
- Match 4 White Balls: $500
- Match 3 White Balls + Mega Ball: $200
- Match 3 White Balls: $10
- Match 2 White Balls + Mega Ball: $10
- Match 1 White Ball + Mega Ball: $4
- Match Mega Ball: $2
What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?
The odds of matching the five white balls and Mega Ball to win the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.
How do I find the Mega Millions winning numbers?
You can watch Mega Millions drawing on YouTube. The winning numbers are also posted to the Mega Millions website and on the Michigan Lottery website.
What happens if I win the jackpot?
A jackpot winner has the option of taking an annuity or cash payment.
The annuity is paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, according to the Mega Millions website. Each payment is 5% bigger than the previous one.
“This helps protect winners’ lifestyle and purchasing power in periods of inflation,” according to the Mega Millions website.
The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.
If two or more people win the jackpot in the same drawing, the money is shared equally among all winning tickets.
Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress).
The quarterback picture for Michigan has been fluid in recent weeks, with two of the QB’s announcing they’d be entering the transfer portal. One of those quarterbacks to enter was Alex Orji. During his three year career in Ann Arbor, Orji appeared in 20 games at quarterback and made three starts during the 2024 season. But with Orji entering the portal, along with veteran QB Jack Tuttle announcing his retirement from the game during the season, there were real questions about Michigan’s QB depth heading into the Reliaquest Bowl against Alabama.
With the team now in Tampa to prepare for the matchup, a team spokesman confirmed to MLive that Orji did travel with the team and still intends on playing in the bowl game. Having Orji available is huge for a Michigan team that doesn’t have much depth or experience at the position at this point in the season.
Michigan QB Alex Orji is here in Tampa and planning to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl, team spokesman confirms to @MLive.
— Aaron McMann | MLive.com (@AaronMcMann) December 27, 2024
Although he’ll participate in the bowl game, the expectation is that Orji will still transfer in the near future. And given Michigan’s activity at that position in recent weeks (the signing of Bryce Underwood and landing veteran Mikey Keene out of the portal), it’s hard to see a scenario where Orji could make a meaningful impact at the position moving forward. There was some speculation that he may be open to making a position change, but any position he’d be moving to (tight end, linebacker, or even running back) already has guys who are well-established at the position.
But regardless of what happens in the future, there’s no question that having Orji available for the Reliaquest Bowl is huge for the Michigan Wolverines.
– Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI –
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