Spartans Gear Up for Crucial Matchup Against Boilermakers

EAST LANSING, Mich. – As the Michigan State Spartans prepare to host No. 14 Purdue on Tuesday night at Breslin Center, head coach Tom Izzo emphasizes the importance of timing in the pursuit of the Big Ten title.

Izzo noted that the outcomes of the games often hinge on not only who you face but also when you meet them, adding a new factor: “It’s sometimes when you play and when they don’t play.”

The Spartans (20-5, 11-3) are coming off a thrilling comeback win against Illinois that allowed Izzo to break a tie with Bob Knight for the most Big Ten victories. Izzo’s goal is clear: he seeks an 11th regular-season title that would tie him with Knight and Ward “Piggy” Lambert for the all-time record.

After overcoming a 16-point deficit against Illinois, the Spartans are eager to build on that momentum. Sophomore Coen Carr reflected on the importance of moving forward quickly, stating, “When we go to sleep tonight, that’s probably all the time we got. And we gotta move on to the next one.”

Purdue (19-7, 11-4) is reeling from a two-game losing streak, recently falling to No. 11 Wisconsin. Izzo believes these setbacks may motivate the Boilermakers, expressing, “Knowing Purdue, if you get them after two losses, it’s better for Purdue than it is for Michigan State.”

The matchup marks a critical juncture as the Spartans have struggled against Purdue, losing five consecutive meetings and nine of the last ten since splitting the series in 2019. Their only victory in that span came at home in 2022.

This game also sees the Spartans facing a Purdue squad that no longer includes ace Zach Edey, the two-time national player of the year. The current Boilermakers, however, are propelled by junior Trey Kaufman-Renn, averaging 19.4 points, third in the Big Ten.

The potential of the veteran backcourt featuring Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer adds to the team’s depth, with Loyer averaging 13.9 points and a 45.3% shooting rate from beyond the arc. Freshman C.J. Cox, since becoming a starter in January, has averaged 7.8 points per game.

Izzo acknowledged the Boilermakers’ consistency over the years, stating, “They have remained that way this year. … You win with guards, and Loyer and, of course, Smith, have been two anchors for them the entire time.”

Following the game against Purdue, the Spartans will immediately prepare for a critical bout against in-state rivals, the Wolverines, on Friday night. Izzo likened the challenge of short preparation times to his experiences in the NBA, emphasizing the grind of the current 20-game league season.

“When you have a five-day prep compared to a two- or three-day prep, those are challenges,” Izzo said. “We’ve got to find a way to win games this week, no matter what the circumstances are.”

The Spartans are eager not only for victory over Purdue but also to set the stage for a Friday showdown against Michigan, which could have significant implications for Big Ten standings.