Tom Izzo discusses Michigan State's 'ambush' loss to Iowa, potential changes for the Spartans
Michigan State’s dangerous late-season slide continued Tuesday night with a disappointing effort during a blowout loss at Iowa.
During the loss, the Spartans shot 35.2% from the floor, had 12 turnovers and managed to shoot just 4 free throws. The Hawkeyes blew past Michigan State 86-60 as Keegan Murray led all scorers with 28 points.
Tuesday’s game was also an example of 2 teams trending in very different directions as February begins to wind down. Iowa has now won 5 of its last 6 games and entered the AP Poll at No. 25. On the other side of things, Michigan State has lost 5 of its last 6 games and is on an ugly slide down the stretch.
After the loss, Tom Izzo said it felt like “an ambush” game for the Spartans. He also hinted at some potential lineup changes as the Spartans try to figure things out and develop some mental toughness.
Izzo at the podium, starts by saying, “It felt like an ambush.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 23, 2022
Tom Izzo talking about “changing things up” after MSU gets “ambushed”
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) February 23, 2022
Izzo also said he thought his technical was “completely undeserved”
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) February 23, 2022
Izzo: “As much as I was disappointed in our offense, I think we got good enough shots.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 23, 2022
Izzo on his level of concern: “You’re always concerned with mental toughness. Nobody has much of that.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 23, 2022
Izzo: “I thought we had our chances to cut it down and do some things. We missed a lot of good shots.” Points to some missed layups.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 23, 2022
Izzo said “I knew better” after the Michigan-Wisconsin situation refs would be on edge but felt his technical was undeserved. Admits he was on the floor but didn’t run out onto it.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 23, 2022
Things do not get any easier for Michigan State heading forward. The final 4 games for the Spartans are vs. No. 4 Purdue, at Michigan, at No. 22 Ohio State, and vs. Maryland.
