Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo. Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

Tom Izzo went 'old school' on MSU to spurn halftime turnaround vs. Michigan

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 10:54 AM ET

Tom Izzo's No. 14 Michigan State Spartans went into halftime down, 34-38, to the No. 12 Michigan Wolverines on the road.

The Spartans turned the ball over nine times in the first half and shot 11-for-30 (36%) from the field. Michigan looked to be the more physical team, and MSU was perhaps a bit shellshocked by the hectic environment at Crisler Center.

Something changed in the second half, though. The Spartans came out confident and aggressive. They committed only two more turnovers for the rest of the game and made 15-of-27 (55%) second-half shots, which included 6-of-12 shooting from downtown.

Brought the ENERGY pic.twitter.com/gBTwV8eTF5
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) February 22, 2025

How was MSU able to turn it around after halftime?

“Threatened them. Old school,” the legendary MSU coach said after the win, according to Chris Solari of "The Detroit Free Press." “I went old-school on them and threatened them at halftime.”

Izzo didn't reveal the threat, but whatever he said to his team worked. The result was a 75-62 Spartans win, in which Michigan never really found its footing in the second half.

MSU was the aggressor, and it ended up being a massive win for the Spartans.

Next for Izzo's squad is Wednesday's big game at No. 20 Maryland.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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