Michigan State Basketball Adds Marquette to Exhibition Slate as Tom Izzo Prepares Spartans Early

October 25th is just three and a half months away. That may seem like an eternity for people trying to soak in the final days of summer or for the college basketball fan who is eagerly waiting to watch their favorite program return to the court. However, the wait really is not that long, and before we know it, the college basketball season will officially be here.

The kids will be back in school, preparing their Halloween costumes and getting ready to go trick-or-treating with their friends, while adults will be looking forward to sports, scary movies and some much-needed relaxation.

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Before everyone starts setting out candy for the neighborhood kids, though, the Michigan State Spartans will have some business to take care of on the basketball court. The Spartans will face off against Marquette in one of their two exhibition matchups this season.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Spartans head coach Tom Izzo loves to put his team through the fire early. He consistently challenges his players by forcing them into uncomfortable situations with new teammates. While players may practice together throughout the offseason, there is no replacement for the intensity and familiarity that comes with real game situations.

By putting his teams through adversity early, Izzo believes he can create stronger bonds and build a team that is prepared when the pressure arrives. Iron sharpens iron, and Izzo has never been afraid to test his players before the games actually start counting.

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Last season, the Spartans’ second exhibition matchup came against UConn, the same team Michigan State would eventually face in the Sweet 16 with both teams’ seasons on the line. The Huskies ultimately defeated Michigan State in both the exhibition matchup and the NCAA Tournament meeting, but the decision showed exactly how Izzo thinks.

The veteran coach understands the importance of preparing his team for the types of opponents they could see later in March. Getting an early…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/michigan-state-basketball-adds-marquette-184727531.html

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Publish date : 2026-07-09 18:47:00

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