Tom Izzo: I wouldn’t advise betting against Michigan State basketball

Tom Izzo assured fans that they shouldn’t bet against Michigan State basketball even when the Spartans struggle.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock on Sunday afternoon and Michigan State’s offense continued to lack clock awareness, Spartan fans were already thinking NIT. The loss to Ohio State was a bad one as the Buckeyes were 0-4 in conference play and the Spartans clearly were the more talented team.

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However, the final possession for Michigan State, down by four with 20 seconds left, was a disaster. The offensive set wasn’t playing out as Tom Izzo had hoped and the Spartans melted 16 seconds off the clock only to watch Josh Langford hoist a contested three-pointer, and miss.

This was the same game that Michigan State got off to a red-hot 6-for-6 shooting start, taking an eight-point lead in the first few minutes. Then, the starters came out in a mass substitution. Izzo admitted on Tuesday that he’s aware of his substitution gaffe as the bench couldn’t keep up with the starters’ production.

Ohio State got hot and never looked back.

Despite the loss, Izzo remained positive in Tuesday’s press conference, stating that people can bet against the Spartans, but that wouldn’t be in their best interest.

That’s a telling statement for how high Izzo feels the ceiling of this team truly is. The Spartans are as talented as any team in the Big Ten, maybe just a bit thin in the post, but this could be a surprise Final Four squad.

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There are people out there pressing the NIT panic button, but the Spartans are currently 12-7 and they have a somewhat fair schedule remaining. As long as they can go 11-7 or 12-6 in conference action and win a Big Ten Tournament game, or two, Michigan State will be in — just ask Seth Davis and Joe Lunardi.