What Tom Izzo said following Michigan State's thrilling win over Purdue
Michigan State needed Saturday’s win over No. 4 Purdue in a big way. Tyson Walker’s late triple helped the Spartans snap a 3-game losing streak and got them a 10th win in B1G play this season.
The Spartans were able to capitalize on 17 Purdue turnovers and hit some critical shots down the stretch, leading to a 68-65 win at the Breslin Center. The victory was win No. 662 for Tom Izzo, who matches Bob Knight’s all-time record as a B1G head coach.
Izzo had plenty of thoughts after the game, talking about Walker’s shot, the much-needed momentum Saturday’s win provided and how the team still has a long way to go in the final week of the season.
Izzo also talked about individual player performances throughout Saturday’s game. Here’s a look at what the head coach had to say following the win:
Tom Izzo said MSU "earned" its win over Purdue. Feels the Spartans hit the "same shots we've been missing" in recent games. Felt they "needed to win a game, and we needed to win a game the way we won the game."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 26, 2022
Izzo on the last play, says MSU wanted the ball in Walker's hands because Izzo thought Walker could get a shot.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 26, 2022
Izzo on Julius Marble (5-for-5, 12 points): "Julius helps us because he's strong, tough and a man."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 26, 2022
Izzo on Sissoko's energized four minutes in the first half: "Mady brought something, and the team just rallied around him in the huddle."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 26, 2022
Izzo: "I was really happy for our guys, it's been really hard for them. Nothing's over yet. Hopefully, it's just the beginning again."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 26, 2022
Izzo says AJ Hoggard "has some young Mateen in him." Says he doesn't think the late injury is anything significant.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 26, 2022
Izzo on Tyson Walker: "I think he's made tremendous progress. What I've enjoyed is I think he's growing as a man."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) February 26, 2022
Michigan has 3 games remaining in the regular season before the B1G Tournament and NCAA Tournament. The Spartans close out the year against Michigan, Ohio State and Maryland.
