COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Michigan State Spartans weren’t snapping, not on this day, not with their sticky defense back. The only thing that snapped in Michigan State’s NCAA Tournament opener was one unfortunate clipboard, dismantled by a riled Tom Izzo. Oh, and one unfortunate USC offense, dismantled by waves of Green.
This was the tenacity the Spartans had been seeking and Izzo had been demanding. Their guards were swarming, their big men were helping out and every USC possession looked like an accident waiting to happen. When Michigan State’s 72-62 victory was complete Friday, Izzo looked as pleased as he’s looked in a long time, just in time.
“We got our mojo back,” he said with a satisfied smile. “We talked about it for two or three weeks. It’s no secret I haven't been pleased with our defense. And I'd say for 32 or 33 minutes, it was exceptional.”
