EAST LANSING— Saturday’s scheduled game between Michigan State and No. 22 Illinois has been postponed because of continued COVID-19 issues within the MSU program.

During a media availability session on Monday, coach Tom Izzo confirmed that three more people within the program tested positive for COVID-19, including guard Davis Smith.  He also mentioned that eight players in total have tested positive for the coronavirus over the past several months 

Saturday’s game against Illinois has been postponed. https://t.co/UgGOEZlSqB

— Michigan State Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) January 18, 2021

This is the third straight game the Spartans have been forced to reschedule; the program was forced to postpone their games against No. 5 Iowa and Indiana last week due to the same COVID-19 issues.  MSU also had its scheduled game against No. 18 Virginia cancelled on Dec. 9 due to COVID-19 problems within the Cavaliers’ program.

On Wednesday, Joshua Langford joined fellow teammates Mady Sissoko and Steven Izzo in garnering a positive test. 

There have been no make-up dates announced for any of the three games, but the schools will work with the Big Ten in an effort to reschedule the games. 

The Spartans are now on a long stretch without game competition, as their last contest was on Jan. 8 when they hosted Purdue in a 55-54 loss.  Izzo said that players are working out individually to try and stay in game shape.

Michigan State’s next scheduled game is set for Thursday, Jan. 28, when it travel to take on Rutgers. Game time is set for 7 p.m.