Growing up

In case you missed it, MSU won a thriller at Minnesota earlier today. The team never lead in the game until about a minute and a half left. Biggest deficit was 13, the largest lead a Big Ten opponent had over the Spartans all year. All though on paper it doesn't seem like a huge win. Sure, its on the road in a hard place to play and Minnesota isn't at the top of the Big Ten standings right now, but something very interesting happened.

After the game, as he was leaving the court, Izzo had a few tears in his eyes. I can only speculate why, but most people have a hunch that it was because he was extremely proud of his team. At the post game interviews, Kalin Lucas told reporters Izzo had told him during a late timeout that there are certain moments that players achieve greatness (Something to that effect). Lucas answered with authority, as he drained the winning three with 1:27 left in the game, to put MSU up 65-62. After starting the game with a dismal FG%, Lucas finished with 22 points. Not to be outdone, Raymar Morgan, the team's notorious disappearing act, finished with 17 points. Morgan was integral during the Spartan's run in the second half. It looks like he has turned a corner as well -- he was (badly) called for his fourth foul with about 10 minutes left. He came in for the last 5 minutes or so and played aggressive on both ends of the court without fouling. Those who have seen a majority of games the last 4 years will tell you that is the first time he has showed that kind of control and passion. Ever.

MSU ended up with below a 40% FG percentage, but players stepped up when they had to. If you recall, Lucas was effectively called out by Izzo for his lack of leadership on the team. Morgan hasn't lead by example yet this year. Although it doesn't show up on the stat sheet Chris Allen is also becoming a much better player. Allen hit 4 threes and played noticeably good defense on a couple of talented Minnesota guards. Izzo called out the team after the Iowa game, saying they had a lot of growing up to do still. This win affected him in a powerful way, so hopefully we will that spark come March.