Tom Izzo: Game film from Michigan State's 19-point loss to Michigan 'made me nauseous'
Thursday night was as poor for Tom Izzo and Michigan State as it was great for Juwan Howard and the Wolverines.
Entering the contest, the Spartans were already heavy underdogs to the No. 2-ranked team in the country. Michigan played up to that billing as Michigan State struggled in what has been an upside-down type of season for the Spartans.
Michigan State shot just 36.4% from the floor, went a miserable 0-for-9 from deep, committed 16 fouls, and had 12 turnovers to just seven assists. It all culminated in a 19-point win for the Wolverines as the Spartans watched Michigan celebrate the regular season B1G title.
During his Friday afternoon press conference, Izzo discussed that performance by the Spartans. He admitted that the game film made him nauseous after re-watching the miserable performance.
Izzo also discussed what Senior Day on Sunday might look like for the Spartans, Rocket Watts’ defensive performance, and the possibility of Joshua Langford coming back for another year in East Lansing.
Tom Izzo presser, says watching the film from last night "made me nauseous."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) March 5, 2021
Tom Izzo said Langford “wasn’t quite himself” and Henry “went one-on-one” a little too much vs. Michigan.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 5, 2021
Izzo says because Langford and his two managers went through senior day last year, so it will make the home finale different. May do something small to honor Langford.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 5, 2021
Tom Izzo said Josh Langford did a senior day last year and didn't want another one. Said they may do "a little something for Josh" but won't be a normal looking senior day. Something smaller
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) March 5, 2021
Doesn’t mean Langford will. He’s a fifth-year senior and likely would want to pursue pro basketball future, but part of what Izzo wants to discuss is if they all think another year might help improve those chances. https://t.co/emDL2Gemmf
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 5, 2021
Izzo says he thinks Rocket Watts has "lost his tenacity" on defense from last year, but said he had a good day of practice today. “He’s got to play better, and I’ve got to coach better," Izzo said.
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) March 5, 2021