Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, MI, Feb. 20, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans were upset by the Iowa Hawkeyes 78-71 Tuesday night at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
The Spartans were the favorites in this one by a long shot. With 13 wins at their home court, Michigan State hangs with the best teams in the Big Ten Conference in terms of their home record.
Despite that advantage, this game was even coming out the gate. It wasn’t until late in the first half that Iowa was able to get out on a 15-1 run, propelling the Hawkeyes to a 12-point lead heading into halftime.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Halftime. pic.twitter.com/Gi3EpklYjT
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) February 21, 2024
(CONTINUED) The Hawkeyes maintained their momentum coming out of halftime. However, after four threes in the first half by Iowa, the Spartans were able to hold them to none in the second. Michigan State was able to knock down back-to-back threes midway through the second half, shrinking Iowa’s lead to seven.
As the game approached its closing minutes, the Spartans were able to go on a short 6-0 run capped off by a Malik Hall dunk, getting Michigan State within five. Hall finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds, his fourth career double-double. Unfortunately for the green and white, Iowa would be able to outlast the Spartans, handing Michigan State their third loss at home.
Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo offered postgame comments on the loss:
“Disappointing loss. They just played harder and better than we did. We looked like we were in quicksand right from the get-go. I gave them a day off and even on a two-day prep, we just had some guys that didn’t look very good.”
Michigan State looks to shake off the loss as they remain at home for a conference matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday. Coverage starts at 3 p.m. on 760 WJR.
