Tom Izzo after Michigan win: 'There's nothing better than beating your rival on their home floor'

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans waltzed into the Crisler Center and defeated the Michigan Wolverines by 13 on Friday evening. Another rivalry win.

It was a huge win for Michigan State, as Izzo’s team is back on a roll after notching their third consecutive victory. The Spartans’ record stands at 22-5 at the moment, with only four games remaining in their regular season campaign. 

Aside from continuing their winning ways, Izzo was in a tremendous mood after the game due to defeating Michigan on their home floor. Speaking with the media, he opined on what it meant to beat the Wolverines at home, even if he’s aware they’ll have a shot at revenge in East Lansing on Mar. 9.

“There’s nothing better than getting your rival on their home floor,” Izzo stated, following the dub. “You know, that’s just the way it is, and they’re going to get a chance to do that to us now coming up. But you know, I think our guys prepared very well. I was really concerned, two day prep with those big guys, and the way they run that pick and roll for each other. They’re very good at it. I thought we did a decent job.”

Aside from being a wonderful win for the vibes, Michigan State’s victory over Michigan also gave them sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. Not to mention the fact that it was the Wolverines’ first home loss of the entire season, adding insult to injury. 

As is the case inside the Big Ten, the schedule won’t lighten up for Michigan State following its win over the Wolverines. On Wednesday, the Spartans will head to College Park to face the 21-6 Maryland Terrapins, followed by a showdown with the 21-5 Wisconsin Badgers next Sunday.

On the other hand, the loss to the Spartans marked the end of a six-game winning streak for the Wolverines. With five games remaining on their schedule, they’ll be hoping to get back on the horse and reassert themselves, as they’ll have a chance at revenge against the Spartans during their regular season finale.

Nevertheless, Izzo has reminded the college basketball world why he’s one of the top minds in all of the sport throughout the 2024-25 season, and Michigan State seems primed for a run. With a win over rival Michigan on their resume now, the Spartans will hope to continue adding to their impressive list of accomplishments in the next few weeks, as the NCAA Tournament looms large.