A couple of head coaches from one of the most established rivalries between two college basketball programs have clapped back at each other for the physical play shown in their recent matchup. On Friday, Jan. 30, Tom Izzo and his Michigan State Spartans continued their rivalry with Dusty May’s Michigan Wolverines in the former’s home court, the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.
Unfortunately for Izzo and the rest of the Michigan State faithful, the Wolverines tallied a big 83-71 road win over the Spartans.
During a press conference on Monday, Izzo was asked for his thoughts on May’s bold post-game comments, where the Michigan coach claimed that Izzo and his players had a dirty and dangerous game plan for their matchup. According to Izzo, it is all about the physicality of the game, as he said that he does not care if May says otherwise.
Read More: Frantic Tom Izzo Loses His Cool on the Sidelines After Foul Call As Michigan State Fail to Complete Insane Comeback Win vs Michigan
“I’m not gonna get into that. I have no idea, but I do know that I thought there were a couple of plays the other way, too, like jumping into a guy and getting a foul when it was a complete joke. This is what it’s supposed to be. It’s supposed to be, and you know what? Michigan’s over. I’m moving on to Minnesota. No insult to you, I don’t care what Dusty says. I don’t care what they say. I don’t care,” Izzo shared.
“There were some things Jeremy (Fears Jr.) did that I addressed on him, but him and their point guard were going at it pretty good. That’s what happens in games like this. So, if anybody did anything dirty, tell ’em to call me and I would be more than happy to address it. If it was physical play, that’s the way that game’s always gonna be,” he continued.
“‘I don’t care what Dusty says’👀#collegebasketball,” @cbssportscbb on Instagram captioned with a pair of eyes emoji.
– @cbssportscbb on Instagram, February 2, 2026
With the win, the Wolverines now hold an overall record of 20-1 (10-1 Big Ten) this season as they continue their dominance of the Big Ten conference, while the Spartans are not too far behind at 19-3 (9-2 Big Ten).
Dusty May Claims That Tom Izzo’s Game Plan Was Dangerous And Was Proud Of His Players’ Restraint
Michigan coach Dusty May claimed during their post-game presser that the game plan of the Michigan State Spartans was dangerous to players’ safety. Along with this, May also expressed how proud he is of his players for how patient they were despite the alleged malicious intent, along with the self-restraint they showed.
“Appeared? It wasn’t an illusion. I think there were several plays that are very dangerous, and I am incredibly proud of our guys for the responses they had to some of those situations. Incredibly proud of their self-control, their restraint and their impulse control. I’ll leave it at that. But, they’re not isolated incidents,” May was quoted as saying.
The Wolverines got a big game from Yaxel Lendeborg, who led the team with a 26-point, 12-rebound double-double. Elliot Cadeau added 17 points for Michigan, which is now on a six-game win streak.
