Tom Izzo shares his biggest concerns after Michigan State's collapse vs. Purdue
Michigan State blew a 15-point halftime lead to Purdue on Friday night, bringing the Spartans to a 2-4 conference record.
Trevion Williams was the x-factor for Purdue, as he scored 22 of his 26 points after halftime. He also hit the game-winner with 4.5 seconds remaining to give the Boilermakers a 55-54 victory.
“(That’s) one of the more disappointing losses we’ve had,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo told reporters after the game.
However, Izzo is more concerned about his team’s upcoming schedule than he is about the collapse in this game.
“I’m not worried about the mental makeup (of this team),” Izzo said. “I’m worried about the schedule. It doesn’t get any easier.”
Izzo on if he’s concerned about the team psyche after this loss: “I’m not worried about the mental makeup. I’m worried about the schedule. It doesn’t get any easier.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 9, 2021
Three of Michigan State’s next four contests come against ranked opponents — No. 5 Iowa, No. 12 Illinois and No. 15 Rutgers. The fourth is against an Indiana team that has competed hard this season.
If there’s a bright side, it’s that the Spartans defeated Rutgers 68-45 earlier this week. They should enter that game with plenty of confidence.
Here’s a few more comments from Izzo after the loss to Purdue:
Izzo: “We’re playing harder. I’m gonna find something positive in it. There’s not many.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 9, 2021
Izzo asked why no Sissoko/Bingham on Williams, says MSU “didn’t want to give up a 3 because they weren’t beating us with the 2.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 9, 2021
Izzo says he “didn’t like the call at all” on Watts’ turnover. Henry nearly had ball on his foul. “The basketball gods weren’t with us.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 9, 2021
Izzo says Hauser “had done a good job” on Williams before 4th foul. Felt Hall was playing well and reiterates he was afraid of giving up 3s. “I’m all good with critical decisions.” Will watch film and admit if he sees it wrong.
Adds “the game never should’ve come down to that.”— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 9, 2021
Izzo also says FT shooting partly why he had Hauser/Hall small lineup late over Bingham and Sissoko.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 9, 2021