Michigan State opened the 2023 college basketball season as the No. 4 team in the country.
The Spartans kicked the season off by losing at home to James Madison. It didn’t get much better than that afterwards, as Michigan State lost four of its next eight games.
Entering Saturday sputtering at 4–5 with No. 6 Baylor on tap, the Spartans desperately needed a win.
When Michigan State proceeded to blow the Bears out by 24 points—an 88–64 beatdown on a neutral floor in Detroit—longtime coach Tom Izzo couldn’t knock the smile off his face.
All smiles from Tom Izzo in @MSU_Basketball's win over No. 6 Baylor 😃 pic.twitter.com/bLa1xK3w6K
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 16, 2023
Prior to the contest, Izzo knew his team needed to find a way to get back to playing Michigan State basketball.
“We’ve got to get our identity back,” Izzo said. “…We’ve got to defend, rebound and run. That’s what we’ve done for 30 years.”
Mission accomplished.
Michigan State forced 21 Baylor turnovers, and held a plus-nine advantage on the glass. In addition, senior guard Tyson Walker scored 18 of his game-high 25 points in the first half, as the Spartans took a 45–17 lead into halftime and never looked back.
“It was a step in the right direction,” Izzo said after the game. “It shows you what we can be against a very good team.”
Michigan State hosts Oakland on Monday night in East Lansing.
