Tom Izzo 'proud' of his team after No. 22 Michigan State defeated No. 14 Arkansas in 'big-time game'

The No. 22-ranked Michigan State men's basketball team defeated No. 14 Arkansas on Saturday by a final score of 69-66 in front of a lively crowd at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. MSU head coach Tom Izzo knows his team is far from perfect and that the Spartans still have plenty to improve upon, but he was proud of the way his team earned a hard-fought victory over the Razorbacks.

Michigan State was able to get the win despite shooting just 1-for-14 from 3-point range (7%), and while that is an area of concern for the Spartans, Izzo was thrilled to get a victory over the top-15 opponent regardless. He was also grateful for the opportunity to play in a marquee matchup during the early part of the 2025-2026 season.

"That was  a big-time game for the beginning of November," Izzo said in his opening statement after the game. "I'm not sure either team played great. When you shoot seven percent (from deep), my 99-year-old mother's gonna call me and ask me who the shooting coach is, and of course I'm gonna tell (her) it was my assistants.

"But, you know what? We played hard. I mean, before the game, they talked me into playing — instead of going through a pregame talk — a video that we call 'Passion.' It's about our players over the years, and in this day and age, where it still matters. There were things that Mateen (Cleaves), and things that Magic (Johnson) said and things that just different guys (said). And it was really enlightening. And, I said, this is their chance to have games like this so that you get your chance to develop your own identity and your own legacy. And I just asked them to play as hard as they can play."

Izzo praised his team for grabbing 19 offensive rebounds (45 total) and for outscoring Arkansas in the paint by a tally of 46-28. However, he was disappointed in the number of layups that MSU missed. Izzo also had plenty of compliments for Arkansas head coach John Calipari and the Razorbacks.

Additionally, Izzo was pleased with his two freshmen. Forward Cam Ward had his first career double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and he also recorded two steals. Meanwhile, fellow freshman forward Jordan Scott tallied six points, seven rebounds and a block. Both of the first-year players brought energy and hustle for the Spartans.

"The encouraging thing for me was our two freshmen were really, really really good," Izzo said. "Cam Ward was really good, and so was Jordan (Scott) ... I was proud of both guys. Cam, he's Antonio (Smith) with a little more skills. He's just tougher than nails. He's Andre Hutson-ish. Nothing bothers Cam. As he gets better from the free-throw line — he's know he has and he's improving some — and he made a couple nice passes, but going into that environment, I thought he was great.

"And Jordan did some good things, too — got loose balls. It's a shame he missed those two free throws (late), it would have been over, but he's a good free-throw shooter. He's shot well before."

Izzo also noted that he thought junior forward Coen Carr played his "best overall game since he's been here." Carr finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal. Izzo praised Carr's defense and leadership.

Another player who Izzo applauded was senior center Carson Cooper, saying that "he's one of the smartest players I've got."

Responding to adversity and home-court advantage:

Michigan State led for more than 10 minutes in the first half, but went into the locker rooms at halftime facing a three-point deficit at 39-36. MSU outscored Arkansas 33-27 in the second half, but allowed the Razorbacks to tie things late in the game at 66-66 with 1:41 remaining to play.

Izzo said the leadership of Carr and redshirt sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. helped the Spartans finish strong and not falter under pressure when the game was on the line.