Tom Izzo 'didn't appreciate' chippiness of Indiana game

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo was frustrated after a difficult 82-69 loss to Indiana. In particular, Izzo took issue with how chippy the Hoosiers were during the game.

After the game, while speaking to the media, Izzo was asked about his team being involved in a chippy game. He initially pushed back on the idea that his team was chippy, though he also made it clear that Michigan State didn’t back down. Then, Izzo explained that he took issue with Indiana’s style of play.

“My guys didn’t back down but I didn’t appreciate some of the things that happened, including that first one,” Tom Izzo said.

Indiana was certainly the more physical team in this game, with more rebounds, blocks, and fouls in the game. Of course, being physical isn’t the same as playing chippy, though Izzo felt this was the case.

“I mean, I didn’t appreciate that, but that’s okay.”

With the loss, Tom Izzo saw his Michigan State Spartans fall to 13-7 on the season. Now, the Spartans are looking to bounce back against a difficult stretch that starts with Iowa on Thursday.

Michigan State signee coming soon

Five-star center Xavier Booker is the highest-rated recruit that Tom Izzo has ever landed while coaching at Michigan State. He’s the number seven recruit overall in the Class of 2023. Now, Booker wants everyone to know that he’s on his way.

When asked if he had a message for Michigan State fans, Booker said, “I’m coming soon!”

On top of that, Booker also wanted fans to know that he’s a versatile player. He continued, “I’m versatile. I can play on the perimeter, around the rim, I can shoot the three ball, pick and pop, get to my post hook. I can do everything on the court; they can expect versatility.”