Michigan State basketball’s ‘strength in numbers’ yielding rewards in heat of Big Ten race

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EAST LANSING — Tom Izzo gave his team the day off Saturday.

A reward for a rivalry win. But more importantly, a momentary rest for a Michigan State basketball team that won its third game in six days — on the road at Michigan, no less — to catapult back into first place in the Big Ten.

It’s a chance for the Spartans’ “strength in numbers” to rejuvenate before their final four games in the chase for a conference championship.

“It was tough, but we embraced it,” sophomore Coen Carr said after practice Monday. “We knew it was gonna be hard, so we just had to put our head down to keep working, make sure our bodies were right and not do too much off the court, make sure we’re getting our rest and everything.

“So yeah, it was hard, but we were excited that we were able to push through and come out with a good win.”

Michigan State’s Tre Holloman celebrates after the Spartans beat Michigan 75-62 in their rivalry matchup at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

RELATED: Couch: Win at Michigan caps week in which MSU basketball proved it has what it takes to be dangerous in March

The next test will be again away from home, with MSU’s third road game in its past four coming Wednesday at No. 15 Maryland (6:30 p.m., BTN). And it will be another moment where the Spartans (22-5, 13-3 Big Ten) hope to use their 10-man rotation to wear down an opponent and silence a hostile crowd.

“Most coaches I talked to in the league say (the Terrapins) may be the most talented starting five in our league …,” Izzo said Monday. “I’m expecting them to be aggressive, I’m expecting the place to be rocking, and I’m expecting them to come at us. And that’s the way we’re gonna prepare.”

MSU beat No. 13 U-M on Friday, 75-62, to reclaim a half-game lead over the Wolverines in the Big Ten standings and re-entered the top 10 of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll at No. 8 on Monday. Jase Richardson also earned his first Big Ten freshman of the week honor, astoundingly…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/michigan-state-basketballs-strength-numbers-134117497.html

Author : Lansing State Journal

Publish date : 2025-02-25 13:41:00

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