25 Jan 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartan’s head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the first half against Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Pictures One might think that Tom Izzo would give glowing praise from his players in the middle of No. 8 Michigan State 12 game’s winning line.
But Izzo discovered some bad habits in Spartan’s latest performance, a victory of 81-74 at Rutgers on Saturday.
Izzo will look for improvements when Michigan State (17-2, 8-0 Big Ten Conference) tips against Minnesota (11-9, 3-6) on Tuesday evening in East Lansing, Mich.
Izzo’s message to his team is clear: Don’t get too comfortable with how you play.
“I thought for the first time, we saw a little more right,” Izzo said. “We looked like we were reading our own press clips. We didn’t touch the ball smoothly. We looked a little selfish.
“This is a new thing for these guys too. Learning to deal with failure is difficult. Learning to deal with success is sometimes more difficult.”
Minnesota will try to play the role of spoiler – something that it has become accustomed to the last few weeks. Golden Gophers has beaten a ranked opponent twice in their last three matches, and they will try to keep the trend alive when they take on the Spartans.
On Saturday afternoon, Minnesota kept strong for a victory 77-69 over No. 15 Oregon. It marked the third victory in a row for Golden Gophers, who also thrown No. 20 Michigan and Iowa during their latest hot row.
Dawson Garcia will look to lead the way for Minnesota again. He is an average of 19.7 points and 7.4 returns per match and shoots 49.8 percent from the field.
“(He is the) ultimate competitor,” said Golden Gopher’s coach Ben Johnson. “He has taken everyone to his level. It has been a big part of what we do here. He is forced with his game for everyone to raise and have a new standard.”
Michigan State relies on a balanced points attack, with nine players on average more than 5 points per match. Jaden Akins leads the road with an average of 13.8, and Jase Richardson is ranked second at 9.8.
The Spartans will try to maintain their dominance at home, where they are 10-0 this season. Minnesota is 1-3 on the road, but the victory came in its last trip from home when it turned off nearby Iowa.
Izzo said he was convinced that his team could continue to make progress towards Mars.
“We’re just trying to hold the course, but it’s hard,” Izzo said. “It’s hard for coaches and it’s hard for players. Since many times – you see it in the NBA, you see it in the best players don’t always win games. You must have it (set of intangible assets), and that The only way you can get it – the chemistry, the friendship – is to play together.
“… I think this team will be better. This team will be tough at the end of the season.”
-Field level media
