Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo Has Few Answers & Many Questions after Spartans Survive Navy 64-59

United States Naval Academy Alumni Hall Annapolis, Maryland On this night the story of the start of the Michigan State basketball season takes a back seat.

United States Naval Academy

Alumni Hall

Annapolis, Maryland

On this night the story of the start of the Michigan State basketball season takes a back seat. Surrounded by some of America’s true heroes in the stands rooting on their Midshipmen the Michigan State men have their first win of the season 64 to 59.

For me it was the most emotional game I have ever covered. My hero was a Navy man and happened to be my father. He passed on May 1, 2014 and surrounded by so many of our naval heroes was comforting and made me proud.

MSU head coach Tom Izzo came out to Annapolis a day early so he and his team could experience of Americana and patriotism. Like me, he was moved and said so after the game. “Tonight they (Navy) were all Navy Seals. I was impressed with everything about this experience BUT Michigan State.”

Spartan assistant Dane Fife told me on the court prior to tip off that being here early was, “Awesome. Only negative was that it was great to have the extra day, but would have loved to see more. I am very fortunate to be at MSU where we do this kind of thing.”

Senior Travis Trice was the lone bright spot for MSU willing them to a win behind 25 points, five rebounds and five assists. He said of the experience, “This was definitely a life changing game for me. I have a new appreciation for what they do and the service they provide for our country.”

Trice said of his teams disappointing play that, “We are upset with the way we played. A lot of defensive and communication mistakes.”

As far as the game that was not as pretty as the Naval Academy experience. With #2 Duke looming on the horizon for the Spartans to face on Tuesday in Indianapolis, the sloppy Spartans have a lot to fix and soon. Izzo said of the sloppy performance, “It’s hard to figure out how we played with losing (Alvin) Ellis early. They played like what they are, military. Tough. They didn’t quit, they didn’t give up.”

All Izzo would say of the Ellis injury was, “What I saw it didn’t look good.”

The Spartans next game was already mentioned above. They head to Indianapolis to take on Duke Tuesday. That game tips at 7PM ET on ESPN.