Tom Izzo takes jab at Michigan, Jim Harbaugh after win over Butler
Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo was in a good mood following the Spartans' 74-54 win over Butler on Monday night, and had a little fun at the end of his postgame press conference at the expense of in-state rival Michigan.
After sharing his thoughts on MSU's victory, Izzo asked if Michigan State hockey had beaten Wisconsin tonight. He was told the Spartans led 3-1 in the third period.
"So we're finally getting back on track," Izzo said. "We're a hockey and soccer school. God bless both of them."
Izzo was referring to Michigan State's women's soccer team, which defeated BYU, 1-0, on Thursday to advance to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. Izzo was then told by a press conference attendant that Michigan men's basketball had been upset by Long Beach State on Friday night, 94-86.
"Man, can anything else go right for us?" Izzo asked with a big smile. "How's Harbaugh doing?"
There's little doubt that Izzo is aware of what's going on with the football program over in Ann Arbor, which has seen its unbeaten, 10-0 season mired by an impermissible in-person scouting scandal over the past several weeks. U-M head coach Jim Harbaugh has been suspended for the remainder of the 2023 regular season, including what's shaping up to be a Top 5 matchup against No. 2 Ohio State.
On Friday, Michigan fired linebacker Chris Partridge, who is believed to have interfered with the NCAA's investigation into the Wolverines' program, as first reported by Yahoo! Sports. The report also suggests that a University of Michigan booster — dubbed "Uncle T" — is believed to have at least partially funded the impermissible in-person advance scouting scheme orchestrated by Michigan staffer Connor Stalions.
Michigan State men's basketball returns to action quickly, as the Spartans will host Alcorn State on Sunday evening (6:00 p.m./BTN).
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