Photo: Vincent Carchietta ~ Imagn Images
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo didn’t hide from the tight turnaround as his team prepared for a top-seven rivalry showdown, but he refused to let the circumstances become an excuse. After returning home at 2 a.m. from the previous night’s game, MSU practiced later than usual, forcing schedule changes. Even so, Izzo said he was encouraged by how his players mentally bounced back from what he admitted was an emotionally draining performance.
Despite the rushed preparation, Izzo felt his team handled the day with energy and maturity, something he didn’t see entering their previous game. “I think we took them a little bit for granted,” he said. Looking ahead, he emphasized that the rivalry matchup won’t define the season, even if the stakes feel elevated. “It’s January yet,” he said. “Win or lose, there’s a lot of basketball left, it’s a rivalry that gets somebody one step closer to the ultimate goals.”
PODCAST:
Jan. 30, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson chat with Michigan State Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo and Steve Courtney. They discuss Michigan State’s improbable win and the upcoming rivalry game.
(CONTINUED) Still, Izzo acknowledged the challenge of facing an opponent he considers “the most talented team we’ve faced, seven, eight deep,” with the size and versatility to create matchup problems across the floor. He also embraced the emotional weight of the rivalry itself, joking that reporters expect him to repeat his annual line: “Every year you want me to tell you how much I hate them. Of course I hate them. They hate us.” But he quickly clarified the distinction between competitive animosity and professional respect, calling respect “the key word” in any rivalry.
Izzo briefly touched on broader issues in the sport, including the MHSAA’s decision to allow high school NIL, which he openly opposes. But his focus remained on the matchup ahead and the need for MSU’s front court to stay physical and out of foul trouble. Above all, he said the Spartans must play their best basketball to have a chance. “We can’t play poorly and win. We can’t play average and win,” he said. And even after decades in the rivalry, one thing hasn’t changed for him: the sleepless night before. “Why would you sleep good? These are memory-making moments.”
