No. 16 Spartans Win Their Third Straight Big Ten Title
The No. 16 Michigan State Spartans came into the Breslin Center in hot pursuit of their third straight Big Ten championship. They took out the No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes 80-69. The win improves the Spartans' record to 21-9 (13-5). It marks the second time that legendary coach Tom Izzo has guided the Spartans to a three-peat in the Big Ten.
Tom Izzo was emotional after the win and reflected back on how the season's inauspicious beginning, which included a season-opening loss to Kentucky and an upset loss to Virginia Tech.
“I mean, I didn't do a very good job in the first three months, in my humble opinion," Izzo said. "But I didn't quit trying to learn. ... It's not been easy. It's the most difficult year I've had. But probably, when it's all said and done, the most rewarding for me as a coach, for me as a father, for me as a friend. Hopefully, I'll do a better job at certain things if those things ever happen again.”
The Spartans had four players score in double digits. Cassius Winston had 27 points and six assists. Mark “Rocket” Watts had 19 points and five rebounds. Xavier Tillman had 15 points and nine rebounds and finally, Aaron Henry had 12 points, three assists, and three rebounds.
The emergence of Rocket Watts has been a big deal for the Spartans. He has scored at least 16 points in his last four games.
“I've just been trying to step up. Cassius needs that second and third guy," Watts said. "I've just been trying to play hard for my whole team and try to give it my all every game and let the game come to me. That's all I can do to be consistent.”
Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said of the contest, “Give Michigan State credit; thought they played well, were physical, made shots. Congratulations to them obviously for sharing part of the Big Ten Title. We had some really good moments and had some good fight for us. I just didn't think overall we were able to sustain enough of a defensive presence. So give credit to them for that.”
Michigan State won the battle of the boards over the Buckeyes by a margin of 36-30. The Spartans had an acceptable nine turnovers.
The Spartan defense allowed Ohio State to shoot 45% from the field and 31% from three.
“There's no better feeling, on a senior night in your last game here and win a championship," Winston said. "It doesn't get better than that.”
Winning Big Ten championships is nothing new for Winston, but Izzo knows it's something that shouldn't be taken for granted.
"It's not easy to win one," Izzo said. "But to win three of them back-to-back-to-back is special because there's pressure on you. Everybody is hunting for you."
The Spartans will hunt for the Big Ten tournament title when they return to the hard-court Friday Indianapolis.
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