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With loss to No. 9 Wisconsin, No. 12 Michigan State falls to 0-2 in B1G play for the first time in over a decade
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Bumpy starts in the B1G is not something Michigan State is accustomed to under head coach Tom Izzo. In fact, it almost never happens. But, it’s 2020, so it feels almost appropriate that the Spartans are off to their rockiest start in over a decade.
Wisconsin got an impressive 85-76 road victory over Michigan State in East Lansing on Christmas Day. The Badgers got 29 points from D’Mitrik Trice to improve to 2-0 in B1G play and 8-1 on the season. Aleem Ford scored 13 points and Brad Davison and Micah Potter each chipped in with 11 to help in the victory.
Michigan State was led by Joey Hauser, who scored 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Aaron Henry was the only other Spartan to hit double figures, scoring 12 in the loss.
The big difference in the game was in turnovers and at the free throw line. Michigan State had 14 turnovers, compared to Wisconsin’s 7. The Badgers also converted on 23-of-30 free throw attempts, while the Spartans were 14-of-16 from the foul line.
With the loss, Michigan State dropped to 6-2 on the year and 0-2 in the B1G. The Spartans lost to Northwestern on Sunday.
It’s the first time Michigan State has started 0-2 in B1G play since the 2006-07 season.
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