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Here’s what Tom Izzo said after Michigan State’s loss to Ohio State
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Michigan State lost its third straight game on Sunday, a streak that stretches all the way back to a Jan. 8 loss against Purdue.
The Spartans are in the midst of a tough season, fresh off a near-three week absence due to COVID-19. But their 79-62 loss to the Buckeyes puts them in a bad spot in regards to the NCAA Tournament bubble.
After the game, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo seemed to be focused on the Spartans just missing shots that they made earlier in the season.
“If I get those kind of shots and we can’t make em, we’re not gonna win a game,” Izzo said. “We were making those shots early in the year.”
The Spartans shot just 32.1 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from beyond the arc. That turned out to be the difference in the game, as Ohio State shot 45.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range.
With the loss, Michigan State is now ranked No. 62 in the country according to KenPom — well off pace to earn an at-large bid as it currently stands.
However, Izzo is hoping they’ll get their rhythm back sooner rather than later.
“We’re just going to have to keep fighting through it,” Izzo told reporters after the game.
Here’s some more of what Izzo had to say:
MSU coach Tom Izzo says the Spartans “had some good shots, they just didn’t go in.” Felt OSU made “some unbelievable shots” particularly as the shot clock was about to expire.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 31, 2021
Izzo said he doesn't know if he'll stick with Rocket at PG. Said he's continued to practice well but hasn't translated to games
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) January 31, 2021
Izzo on the next few days and watching the game film, but adds they need to put the ball in the basket: "The film doesn't help the shot. It helps free you for the shot."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) January 31, 2021
Izzo says MSU’s leadership has struggled. Points to Henry fouling CJ Walker, the play Izzo got into him for.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 31, 2021
Izzo: “My stars gotta play.” Felt Hauser played better, liked what he saw from Marble.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 31, 2021
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.