Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, MI, March 7, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Northwestern Wildcats, 53-49, on Wednesday’s Senior Night for the final game at the Breslin Center this season.
Despite the victory, it was a sloppy start for the Spartans. Michigan State shot nearly 22% from the field in the first half, only racking up 20 points in the first 20 minutes. Northwestern wasn’t playing much better, as they were ahead by five going into halftime.
However, the Spartans ramped up the grit in the second half.
PODCAST:
March 7, 2024 ~The Spartans beat Northwestern, 53-49, on Senior Night at the Breslin Center. It was especially memorable for senior walk-on Steven Izzo, the son of Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo. The senior guard talks with 760 WJR‘s Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, and Steve Courtney about life as the son of a coaching legend, and the story of his adoption. Photo: Nick King ~ USA Today Network
VIDEO:
March 6, 2024 ~ Michigan State Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo addresses the media following the Spartans 53-49 victory against Northwestern on Senior Night at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
An extra-special senior night. pic.twitter.com/xcLOpjEVFM
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 7, 2024
(CONTINUED) Michigan State’s Tyson Walker picked it up offensively in the second half, shooting an even 50% from the field. Walker was able to hit a career milestone in the ballgame, achieving his 2,000-career point as a Spartan. Walker hit the milestone on a tough layup to put the Spartans up three. From there on out, one more Walker layup and a couple of successful free throws sealed the win for Michigan State.
Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo offered postgame comments on what Senior Night means to him:
“I don’t think I could ever explain to you how hard it is to spend the amount of time we spend with our guys, and then try to coach them in a tough game,” said Izzo. “And try to pray to God that they get to enjoy their Senior Night and the memories that Senior Nights bring because most of the time they’ll last a lifetime.”
Spartan seniors were emotional as they left the court for the final time at the Breslin Center. However, the season isn’t over for the Spartans as their hopes of making the March Madness Tournament remain alive. This win significantly improves Michigan State’s resume as Northwestern beat the Spartans back in January.
Michigan State plays their final regular season game on Sunday against Indiana at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington. Coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. on 760 WJR.
