If Michigan State is going to beat Michigan, Tom Izzo knows his team has to protect the ball

As the 2025-2026 regular season comes to an end this weekend, few games carry the emotional and competitive weight that the rivalry between Michigan State and Michigan brings. When the two teams meet Sunday afternoon in Ann Arbor, the Big Ten championship isn’t at stake and Big Ten Tournament seeding is close to set, but this contest surely will carry significant meaning for both teams.

For MSU head coach Tom Izzo, rivalry games like this are exactly what he lives for. Izzo acknowledged that reality, but also noted the emotional aspect that comes with a game of this magnitude.

“You’re still playing for a lot when you play this game,” Izzo said on Friday, regarding MSU's matchup with Michigan on Sunday at the Crisler Center. “You’re playing for seedings in the NCAA Tournament. So there’s still a lot on the line for both teams.”

For Michigan State, the challenge will be taking down a team that has been one of the best in the country throughout the season. The Wolverines enter the matchup with one of the nation’s best resumes and a roster Izzo believes stacks up with any team in college basketball.

“They’re really good — they’re 28-2 for a reason,” Izzo said about Michigan. “They’ve been as consistent as anybody. I’ve had the privilege of playing a lot of really good teams this year, but I think Michigan is the deepest, most talented team in the country.”