What Tom Izzo said about Michigan State's First Four matchup vs. UCLA

Michigan State creeped in.

On Selection Sunday, the Spartans learned that they did just enough to squeak into the NCAA Tournament for a 23rd straight year. Winning five of the final seven regular season games with wins over Illinois, Ohio State and Michigan proved to be worthy of a March Madness bid.

But the Spartans were slotted into the No. 11 seed and will have a play-in game against UCLA on Thursday night with a chance to play No. 6 BYU on the line. Considering how MSU closed out the year, it was a bit of a surprise that they were put into that play-in game spot.

Tuesday, head coach Tom Izzo talked about Thursday’s showdown against UCLA at Mackey Arena. He’s excited for the opportunity, but knows the Bruins will present a tough challenge.

Here’s what Izzo had to say on Tuesday:

Tom Izzo on Zoom. Calls it a strange time to go from so many games in final weeks “to feeling like we haven’t played in months.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 16, 2021

MSU back in Indianapolis after practicing at Purdue. Has also worked out at Indy convention center. Izzo says “there’s been worse bubbles” than the JW Marriott in Indy. (this should get me some bonus Marriott points)

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 16, 2021

Izzo says Mick Cronin “brings a Midwest flavor” to UCLA. More of a “smash mouth team” than traditionally “soft” west coast basketball.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 16, 2021

Izzo says “nobody knows” how a week off will affect MSU. Feels the Spartans will be a lot more fresh but also worries about laying around the hotel so much with “the adversity they’ve been placed in” with NCAA restrictions.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 16, 2021

Izzo in his pregame zoom has repeatedly called UCLA tougher than most Pac-12 teams. Says he expects a "slugfest" on Thursday. “I think it’ll be one of the all-time great play-in games," Izzo said.

— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) March 16, 2021

Izzo says his veterans are excited to return to the NCAAs after last year’s cancellation but young guys like Rocket Watts and others who haven’t been there being a little nervous. Says he’s “excited to see how we play in this thing.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 16, 2021

Tom Izzo: "We're talking about this big (NCAA tournament) streak I have, and yet I've got guys who haven't been to the NCAA tournament."

A reminder that none of MSU's sophomores have every played in a tournament, with last year being canceled.

— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) March 16, 2021