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Tom Izzo delivers relatable reaction to Michigan State’s Round of 32 start time

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Tom Izzo does not mind the drama of leading Michigan State in March Madness. But late tip-off times? Well, that’s a different story.

In the opening round, Michigan State faced Bryant in a game that tipped off after 10 pm ET time. It was late into the night (and early the next morning) when the Spartans capped off their emphatic win to reach the Round of 32.

That’s a great spot for MSU to be in as the team gets ready to face New Mexico in the next round, but the start time was not a friendly one for Izzo. At his postgame press conference, Izzo received word that Sunday’s game would start at 8:40 pm ET, a fact he had to double-check with the moderator.

“Well, at least it’s an hour earlier,” deadpanned Izzo.

Here’s his full reaction:

That wasn’t the only golden moment of Izzo’s press conference. In the upcoming matchup, Izzo and the Spartans will face New Mexico, which is led by none other than former Minnesota head coach Richard Pitino, the son of legendary head coach Rick Pitino.

It’s another instance of Izzo facing the son of a legend after he faced Phil Martelli Jr.’s Bryant squad to open the tournament. Izzo reflected on that moment with a particularly telling comment about the Pitino’s.

“Well, I was a good friend of Richard’s when he was (at Minnesota) because he went through some tough times that I thought were unfair, if I was to be honest with you. But he’s done a hell of a job down there,” Izzo said about Pitino at New Mexicao. “I’ve talked to him a couple times periodically. I do know a little bit about the guard. I do know a little bit about their team since I did spend a couple nights watching them along with Marquette. Tonight is when we’ll really dive into it.

“Good coach, another team that — this team has some size inside. This team had size everywhere. It’s a good team, and I think they beat a very good Marquette team. Shaka is a good friend, and those guys played hard as hell, too. So, when we break down the film, I’m sure we’re going to find out that (Donovan) Dent is a hell of a player, he gets in the paint. I think he had a few more turnovers than he normally has tonight, but he makes things happen, and the big kid inside is good. That’s a good team. They beat UCLA, they beat USC, those teams beat us, and I know Richard, and I know Rick. Damn family’s ruining my life here.”

Heading into Sunday’s game, Michigan State is a 7.5-point favorite per ESPN Bet to win and advance with a point total set at 147.5. Fans can use the Michigan online sports betting links and apps to get into all the action.

We’ll see if a Pitino can deliver another win against Tom Izzo or if it is Michigan State advancing to another Sweet 16.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.