After a stunning come back victory on Saturday evening, Tom Izzo the coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team has become the winningest coach in the Big 10 conference. This win gives him a record of 354-173 in his Big Ten career and pushes him past the great Bobby Knight who ended his tenure with the Big 10 at 353 wins.
I was worried about this game coming into the weekend. After suffering a loss that really should have been a win against Indiana, as well as a tough run on the road over on the west coast, it kind of felt like the Spartans were on the skids. Illinois game out hot and fast at home and the crowd was giving them the momentum they needed to turn this game into a rout.
As we were watching, @mrsbozz and I were talking about the game. She said don't worry, Illinois is going to get tired. Michigan State is used to playing this fast, they aren't. Eventually the pace is going to be too much for them and they are going to fizzle out. That's exactly what ended up happening.
Michigan State was able to bring the score relatively close for halftime. Then the second half started and by the last ten minutes of the game it was all Michigan State.
I know I have been critical of Izzo in the past. I really feel that given his ability and experience we should have seen more teams in the later stages of the national tournament than we have lately. There is no doubt he is a great coach, but sometimes I feel like the players don't realize the opportunity they have to play for him. I hope this season is different.
It was still a bit emotional to watch Tom get choked up while being interviewed after the game. Then the locker room celebration was something equally as special. This is definitely an amazing milestone for a coach who is already in the hall of fame. I'd love to see another national title under his belt before he finally calls it quits.
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