Tom Izzo is guiding his Michigan State team into the return of B1G play as we embark on 2023. After an up-and-down start to the season, he likes the trajectory for the Spartans after a win Tuesday night.

In that matchup, the Spartans knocked off Nebraska 74-56 after building a 22-point lead at halftime. Tyson Walker was the big catalyst offensively, scoring a game-high 21 points with a trio of 3-point field goals.

Joey Hauser also added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Mady Sissoko had 5 points with 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. Malik Hall played 18 minutes in his second game back from injury while true freshman Jaxon Kohler scored a season-high 10 points in the win.

After the game, Izzo admitted he felt his team worked together against the Huskers. He also believes the ceiling for the Spartans this season is “a lot higher than it was a few weeks ago.”

Part of that improved ceiling for Michigan State is likely a fact of the team getting closer to full health. Most notably, Jaden Akins and Malik Hall appear to be at or near full strength at the right time for league play.

We’ll see how things shape up down the stretch for Izzo’s squad.