Aaron Henry
FILE- In this Thursday, March 4, 2021, file photo, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan State and coach Tom Izzo are in an unfamiliar position. This time, Michigan State needed a late surge just to get into the Big Dance, and they’ll have to win an extra game, too. The Spartans (15-12) will face UCLA (17-9) on Thursday in a First Four matchup of No. 11 seeds in the East Region.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Michigan St, Izzo in new spot as First Four participants

By Cliff Brunt Mar. 17, 2021 03:33 PM EDT

The Michigan bench reacts after winning the Big Ten title against Michigan State in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, March 4, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
No. 2 Michigan clinches Big Ten, beats Michigan State 69-50

By Noah Trister Mar. 04, 2021 11:17 PM EST

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) knocks the ball from Michigan State guard Rocket Watts (2) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in East Lansing, Mich., Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Staggering Spartans struggling with play of point guards

By Larry Lage Feb. 11, 2021 02:20 PM EST

Michigan State guard Jack Hoiberg (10) hugs his father, Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg, after an NCAA college basketball game in East Lansing, Mich., Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. Michigan State won 66-56. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State ends 4-game skid with 66-56 win over Nebraska

By Larry Lage Feb. 06, 2021 10:08 PM EST

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2020, file photo, Wisconsin forward Nate Reuvers looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Wisconsin begins this pandemic-delayed season with most of the same players who created so many memorable moments during a magical stretch drive last year. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Iowa is team to beat in Big Ten boasting unprecedented depth

By Eric Olson Nov. 10, 2020 01:47 PM EST