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Michigan State basketball handles Penn State for important road win

For the second time this year, Michigan State basketball has earned a road win, and it came against another Big Ten opponent in Penn State. On Wednesday, the Spartans took down the Nittany Lions 80 to 72.

The most remarkable thing about this win? It came with Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard combining for just 10 points. Malik Hall dropped an astonishing 29 points and Jaden Akins added 20.

Aside from Malik Hall and Akins dropping some eye-popping stats, I’d say the key to this game was rebounding and turnovers, two staples of a typical Tom Izzo team. MSU only had 11 turnovers to Penn State’s 15, and they had 33 rebounds to Penn State’s 23.

MSU will face another big road test on Saturday when they travel to Ann Arbor to play Michigan.

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Quotes: Tom Izzo speaks to media, previews Michigan State basketball vs. Penn State

For at least a few days, the Michigan State basketball program can take a deep breath. The Spartans earned a huge boost towards their NCAA Tournament dreams on Sunday after beating No. 10 Illinois, but will now gear up to face Penn State on the road, a challenge for a team that has struggled on the road this year.

On Monday morning, Tom Izzo met with the media for his weekly press conference, and he took some time to acknowledge an MSU tragedy, along with giving his thoughts on where his team is right now.

You can see the best quotes from that session below.

Quotes: Michigan State basketball players react to win over No. 10 Illinois

Michigan State basketball players react to win over No. 10 Illinois

On Tuesday, Michigan State basketball suffered one of their more disappointing losses of the season, dropping a game against Minnesota on the road that they had a lead in late in the game. On Saturday, we saw a motivated and energized MSU team handle business at home against No. 10 Illinois, beating their rivals 88 to 80.

After the game, a few of the Spartan players talked to the media about the victory and gave their thoughts on an exciting day for the program. You can see some of their quotes, along with a few social media posts they sent out, and a nice message from a Spartan legend below.

WATCH: Tom Izzo comments on Michigan State basketball’s big win over No. 10 Illinois

It was quite the Saturday for Michigan State basketball, as they added a huge win to their NCAA Tournament resume when they were able to beat No. 10 ranked Illinois 88 to 80 at home in the Breslin Center.

After the game, Tom Izzo addressed the media to talk about his team and their latest victory. You can watch the full press conference below.

Quotes: Tom Izzo reacts to Michigan State basketball taking down No. 10 Illinois

Tom Izzo reacts to Michigan State basketball taking down No. 10 Illinois

It was a big day for Michigan State basketball, as the Spartans gave their NCAA Tournament chances a huge boost on Saturday after they were able to beat No. 10 Illinois at home.

While MSU still needs to sort out their issues on the road, they have mostly been able to take care of business at home this season which has kept their postseason hopes alive.

After the game, Tom Izzo spoke to the media about the win, which came off of a disappointing loss to Minnesota and quickly became close to a ‘must-win’ for the Spartans.

You can find the best quotes from Tom Izzo’s media session below.

Gallery: Best pictures from Michigan State basketball’s win over No. 10 Illinois

Best pictures from Michigan State basketball’s win over No. 10 Illinois

Michigan State basketball held their home court to pull off a big victory over No. 10 Illinois on Saturday. You can find the best pictures from that game below.

Michigan State basketball drops close one on the road in Minnesota

It was a heartbreaking night in Williams Arena, known as ‘The Barn’, for Michigan State basketball, as the Spartans dropped a close one to Minnesota, 59 to 56.

This one is definitely going to sting for the Spartans, as they had every opportunity to take this one, but missed free throws and some sloppy possessions at the end of the game, along with some big shots by Minnesota put this one away.

Tyson Walker led all scorers with 20 points, but Minnesota was led by freshman brother of former Spartan Max Christie. Cam Christie dropped 19 points and looked impressive.

One encouraging sign from the evening: Jaden Akins dropped 16 points and looked really strong.

Report: Long-time Michigan State football coach Harlon Barnett joining Northwestern as defensive backs coach

Report: Long-time Michigan State coach Harlon Barnett joining Northwestern as defensive backs coach

A long-time Spartan is heading to a Big Ten rival. According to numerous reports, former Michigan State football coach Harlon Barnett is joining Northwestern as their defensive backs coach.

Barnett was recently the interim head coach at MSU, where was the defensive backs coach since 2020. Barnett was also a fixture of the Mark Dantonio era, and was with the program in his first coaching stint from 2007-2017. Of course, Barnett was also a star safety at MSU in his own right, back from 1986-1989.

247Sports had the initial report and ESPN confirmed.

Northwestern is expected to hire Harlon Barnett as a defensive backs coach, sources tell @247Sports.

Barnett worked at Michigan State the last four seasons and was the team’s interim head coach last season. Was previously the DC at Florida State.https://t.co/dJORJ80Uo5 pic.twitter.com/ZFNxgD9pVy

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 7, 2024

Source: Northwestern is set to hire Harlon Barnett as a defensive backs coach, as @mzenitz first reported. Barnett spent most of last season as Michigan State’s interim head coach after working at MSU, his alma mater, for all but two of the past 17 seasons.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) February 7, 2024

Michigan State football lands PWO commitment from 2024 3-star IOL Kyler Brunan

Michigan State lands PWO commitment from 2024 3-star IOL Kyler Brunan

It has been a busy few weeks for Michigan State football on the preferred walk-on front, as the Spartans look to expand their 2024 recruiting class with some players who will have an opportunity to earn a scholarship down the road.

The latest was Kyler Brunan, a 3-star interior offensive lineman out of Traverse City West High School.

Brunan was previously committed to Army, but de-committed on Dec. 19, opening the way for him to join the Spartans.

All glory to God, after a long time of talking with family and prayer I’m blessed to say that I am committed to Michigan State Football! @Coach_Smith @CoachLail @MSU_Football @FBCoachM pic.twitter.com/qBpAXLAYF0

— Kyler Brunan (@BrunanKyler) February 6, 2024

2024 MICHIGAN STATE FOOTBALL COMMITMENT TRACKER

WATCH: Michigan State basketball HC Tom Izzo previews Minnesota game

Things have been starting to trend up for Michigan State basketball just at the right time. It hasn’t been the season many hoped for, but the Spartans are starting to figure things out, winning five of their last six games. Now, MSU will have the chance to earn a road win, something that has been nearly impossible for them this season, against their rivals in Minnesota.

You can watch Izzo’s full Minnesota preview press conference below: