Defense, Rebounding, Toughness: MSU’s identity shines in OT win over Illinois
The Spartans weren’t the hotter team against No. 5 Illinois, but they were the tougher one
Head coach Tom Izzo has built his Michigan State program on defense, rebounding, and toughness. On Saturday night, against No. 5 Illinois, all three were crucial in carrying the Spartans to an 85-82 overtime victory.
For more than 28 minutes of regulation, the green and white trailed, but a Kur Teng 3-pointer put the Spartans on top with just eight seconds to play. Late free throws and timely contributions from both veterans and the freshmen duo forced overtime and allowed the Spartans to pull ahead in the extra five minutes.
“Everybody did something,” Izzo said. “Kur (Teng) comes in and misses a wide-open shot. Jaxon (Kohler) gets the rebound, and he hits that one in front of the bench. Coen (Carr) , I thought, made some great plays and did a good job defensively. (Carson) Coop(er) got some big-time rebounds, too. Jaxon gets 16 boards.”
