Tom Izzo felt a twinge of regret after Michigan State's performance against Ohio State on a significant day at the Breslin Center. It was the final Izzone game for some seniors, as the last home game falls during spring break, meaning not everyone will be around.
Izzo knows the Izzone has been a crucial support system for the team this season, and he acknowledged this during his post-game comments after the win over Ohio State.
For the first time this season, the crowd's energy was subdued, likely due to a lack of action on the court. The Spartans managed only 23 points in the first half of a 66-60 victory, shooting a mere 25 percent from the field. It wasn’t the Spartans' finest hour.
This lackluster performance didn’t sit well with Izzo.
Despite the off day, Michigan State has generally performed well at home, and even though Sunday's game was a struggle, it still provided a win for the senior Izzone members.
In keeping with tradition, the Izzone seniors had the opportunity to come out and kiss the logo at midcourt after their last home game. As the seniors lined up all the way to the concourse, Izzo and the Spartans demonstrated once again that East Lansing is home to one of the nation’s most respected cultures.
Tom Izzo has cultivated an elite environment
As the senior Izzone members lined up for their farewell ritual, the Spartans emerged from the locker room to express their gratitude.
David Harns of Spartans Illustrated captured this special moment.
The players came out of the locker room to thank the senior members of the Izzone, who were lined up to kiss the Spartan logo.
How many programs send their players back out after the usual post-game high-fives and after the general admission fans have left, just to thank the student section seniors one last time? It's a rare sight.
Michigan State’s exceptional culture is consistently evident, thanks to Izzo. He has fostered an environment of respect and appreciation, a fact that was on full display on Sunday.
There’s a reason other coaches aspire to replicate what Izzo has achieved in East Lansing. He’s done everything the right way.