Michigan State Basketball’s December: A Pivotal Time in the Big Ten Race

Michigan State basketball’s December now crucial in Big Ten race

EAST LANSING — Every year, like clockwork, Tom Izzo sets up a gauntlet November schedule he later laments. And almost every year, like clockwork, Michigan State basketball carries its Thanksgiving feat into December. The quality of opponents may shift from the opening month, but that changed when the Big Ten moved up the start of conference play during the 2017-18 season. Now, ramping up their intensity on the court has become a challenge for the Spartans and their opponents.

“It definitely ramps up,” senior guard Tyson Walker said after practice Friday. “Big Ten play, it’s way different than everything else. The reffing style is different, the physicality is different. And possessions matter, as we already learned that. But they really do matter, because these games matter even more for what we’re trying to do.”

Big Ten action starts Tuesday for No. 25 MSU (4-3) when it hosts Wisconsin (6-2). The Badgers are coming off a 75-64 victory over No. 3 Marquette on Saturday and have won five straight with a 10-point loss to No. 11 Tennessee on its resume.

“Being a veteran now, it’s kind of a reset going into Big Ten play,” senior point guard A.J. Hoggard said. “It’s just helping the young guys understand the dogfight it’s gonna be every night from top to bottom, whether it’s the 14th team or if it’s the No. 1 team in the Big Ten.”

As much credit as Izzo gets for strong performances in the last few months of the college basketball calendar, the Big Ten’s winningest coach has been just as good in the final month of the calendar year. Izzo is 158-38 overall in December over his first 28 seasons. Against conference competition in December during his career, Izzo is 17-7 all-time.

After the Big Ten sampler is out of the way, MSU will play No. 9 Baylor on Dec. 16 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Spartans also host Oakland, Stony Brook and Indiana State before resuming conference action at home Jan. 4 against Penn State.

“I think we’re definitely still getting better,” Walker said. Let’s stay tuned for more Spartan action in the coming weeks!

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.