Brad Dancer Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Brad Dancer Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The No. 19 Illinois men's tennis team is preparing to host No. 18 Michigan State and Michigan this weekend at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana, Illinois. The matches are scheduled for March 30 against the Spartans and March 31 against the Wolverines, both beginning at noon Central Time on the outdoor courts.
Historically, Illinois has a favorable record against Michigan State with a head-to-head tally of 64-28. Notably, Illinois head coach Brad Dancer is an alumnus of Michigan State, where he played from 1989 to 1993. During his tenure as a Spartan player, Illinois managed a narrow advantage over Michigan State with a record of 4-3.
In contrast, Michigan leads its series with Illinois with a record of 66 wins, 45 losses, and three ties — the only team to have tied thrice with the Illini.
Michigan State enters these matches following consecutive Big Ten victories over Nebraska (5-2) and Wisconsin (7-0). Their lineup includes three singles players ranked in the top 125: Ozan Baris (No. 11), Ronnie Hohmann (No. 34), and Graydon Lair (No. 115). Additionally, they boast three ranked doubles pairs: Max Sheldon/Baris (No. 3), Baris/Hohmann (No. 66), and Hohmann/Sebastien Collard (No. 68).
Similarly, Michigan is also on a two-match winning streak after defeating Wisconsin (7-0) and Nebraska (5-2). The Wolverines feature two ranked singles players: Gavin Young at No. 15 and Jacob Bickersteth at No. 125; together they form a doubles pair ranked at No. 27.
Both matches will be available for live streaming and stats through fightingillini.com.
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