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Michigan State coach Tom Izzo: 'This is a big win for us, that is a very good team'

On3 imageby:Jim Comparoni•01/19/23•

JimComparoni

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Tom Izzo wasn't pleased with his team's rebounding performance against Rutgers but was pleased to get a double-digit win. (Photo by SpartanMag.com)

East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State coach Tom Izzo didn’t necessarily expect 50-plus percent shooting from 3-point range, but he felt the Spartans would have some chances. And they certainly cashed in, during a 70-57 victory over Rutgers, Thursday.

Michigan State shot 12-of-22 (54.5 percent) from 3-point range.

“We knew they were a team that really collapsed a lot,” Izzo said. “And we said if we can get it in the paint and kick it out and get some open looks, we could make some.”

The Spartans’ sizzling performance comes just six days after Michigan State failed to make a 3-pointer in a loss at Illinois.

“I’m really pleased with 19 assists against a team that is so good defensively,” Izzo said.

The Big Ten has only two teams ranked in the Top 25. Michigan State played two of them this week, falling to No. 3 Purdue on Monday, and now the Spartans have a double-digit victory over No. 23 Rutgers.

“One advantage of having a brutal schedules is you get to play again (right away),” Izzo said.

It wasn’t pretty early, with the Spartans falling behind 14-5, but Izzo was pleased to see his shooters come alive.

“After Jaden (Akins) started out shaky, and Pierre (Brooks) started out shaky and Mady (Sissoko) started out shaky, I thought some of those guys bounced back,” Izzo said. “Jaden played better in the second half. 

“Jaxon Kohler played really well. With Carson Cooper and Tre Holloman in there at one time with all three freshmen, that was a little scary for me but it worked out.

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“All in all, Rutgers is one of my favorite teams because they are tough and they rebound and they have some good players. I tell you what, (Caleb) McConnell is tougher than nails. The guy that didn’t play well for them is (Cam) Spencer (3-of-14 from the field and 1-of-8 from 3-point range). He has been really, really good and I thought he had some good looks. Just missed them.”

The Breslin Center crowd was packed into the upper corners for a second straight game.

“Our crowd, I think the things we’re doing marketing-wise with the public address announcer, and when the horn (got stuck for five minutes), they kept the place alive,” Izzo said. “The crowd was phenomenal. It’s helping us win games, I promise you that.

“We’re trying to bring some excitement. We ran better tonight. But we didn’t rebound and that was almost the death of us.”

Michigan State executed well, getting good face-up shots most of the game.

“The heroes for me right now are my staff,” Izzo said. “They did a hell of a job these past six games. They have worked diligently with the players, with the prep for these, and trying to figure out what would work, and moving lineups. 

“One of those guys is giving the next pre-game speech becasue the last two haven’t started out so good. So I’m out.”

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