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What Tom Izzo said following Michigan State’s thrilling win over Purdue
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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.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB