Tom Izzo calls out Michigan State players for being 'pretty boys' during Iowa game

Tom Izzo wasn’t satisfied with Michigan State‘s 91-84 win over Iowa on Thursday. After the game, the MSU head coach tore into his team for their performance.

“I didn’t think my team was ready to play,” Izzo said. “We kind of reverted back and it hasn’t happened much this year but in my humble opinion, we tried to change our identity and all of a sudden we were going to be pretty boys and shoot 16 3s in a half… We didn’t guard anybody. They were killing us in every way, shape and form.”

“… We got outplayed a majority of that game and yet I do give my team credit for having some character, on the road, to come back when it didn’t seem like it was our night. For that, I’m greatly appreciative.”

Iowa led Michigan State 37-30 at halftime. The Spartans shot 4-16 (25%) from beyond the arc in the first half. For reference, Michigan State is only shooting 19.4 3-pointers per game this season, ranking 319th in the nation.

In short, outside shooting isn’t the Spartans’ identity. In the second half, the team reverted back to what’s worked for them this season: fighting for high-quality shots inside the 3-point line.

In turn, Michigan State scored 26 points in the paint in the second half and racked up 11 second-chance points compared to Iowa’s mere four. Jase Richardson led the charge for the Spartans, notching a game-high 22 points while shooting 7-13 from the floor.

Michigan State outscored the Hawkeyes 61-47 in the second half to escape with a 91-84 victory. Although Tom Izzo would’ve preferred for his team to simply play well all 40 minutes, he believes the Spartans’ early struggles could serve as an important lesson for his team.

“Tonight was an eye-opener on what happens if you deviate from who you are. I think it’s a good lesson for all of us,” Izzo said.

With the win, Michigan State improved to 25-5 on the season and 16-3 in conference play. On Sunday, the Spartans will square off against in-state rival Michigan in their regular-season finale.

When the two teams met earlier this season on Feb. 21, Michigan State ran away with a 75-62 triumph. Once again, grit was the key to the Spartans’ success. MSU reeled in twice as many offensive rebounds as Michigan in the contest.

The Spartans will look to repeat history on Sunday when they face off against Michigan at noon ET. The game will air live on CBS.