Photo: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
‘We’re a Funny Team’: Tom Izzo Explains Michigan State’s Night vs. Indiana
Why a slow start didn’t worry Izzo — and how defense, rebounding, and young players flipped the game late.
By David Harns
Tom Izzo's Michigan State basketball squad didn’t overwhelm Indiana from the opening tip. That was never Izzo’s read of the night. Instead, he saw a good, well-coached opponent force Michigan State to grind, adjust, and eventually assert itself — exactly the kind of game that reveals what a team actually is.
“We’re a funny team,” Izzo said. “I don’t know why we weren’t as consistent early.”
The Spartans led, stumbled, and eventually found themselves tied at 53. Izzo wasn’t panicking — but he was watching closely. What happened next told him plenty.
