Michigan State grinds to get Tom Izzo 400th victory

East Lansing — When the final buzzer sounded on Wednesday night at Breslin Center, even Tom Izzo was surprised that he was a little bit emotional.

The 10th-ranked Spartans had just defeated Minnesota, 68-52, giving the Michigan State coach his 400th career victory, and it was hitting him more than he anticipated.

All week, Izzo downplayed the milestone and when the Big Ten Network crew asked him what was going through his mind, he deadpanned, "That I'm 517 wins behind Krzyzewski."

Sure, Izzo has a long way to go to catch the legendary Duke coach, but on this night it was about Izzo and what he has built in his 17 years as Michigan State's head coach.

"It really means that I appreciate Jud (Heathcote)," Izzo said, referring to the former Michigan State coach who gave him his shot. "Anytime you accomplish something that is a milestone you take time to appreciate the people that got you there. I appreciate my parents but I have a big appreciation for Jud. I don't think there is any question that if he didn't stick up for me I wouldn't be here, if he hadn't taught me like he did, I wouldn't be here. That means a lot to me."

Izzo said his thoughts also turned to the players who return — many were in town for a reunion over the weekend — and who still call him today, but it comes back to Heathcote.

"There are a lot of players but my mentor was definitely one," Izzo said. "A lot of players still call and still wish me luck today. They haven't forgotten and I appreciate that as much as anything."

Minnesota's Tubby Smith called it an "honor" to coach against Izzo.

"I didn't want to be 400, but he is a guy who you know does things the right way and his teams always come to play," Smith said. "He is a class guy … a great coach and a great friend."

MSU senior Draymond Green, who Izzo called his "resident superstar" on Wednesday, was glad to be part of No. 400.

"He doesn't get teary-eyed or emotional about a lot of stuff," said Green, who led the team into the postgame news conference to present Izzo with the game ball. "Just to be a part of something like that, usually when he's getting emotional it's about something for somebody else. It was great to see him get emotional about something he accomplished."

Wednesday's will not go down as one of Izzo's prettiest wins, but it was effective.

Green was outstanding again for the Spartans (17-4, 6-2), who moved back into a tie for first place in the Big Ten. He had 22 points, 14 rebounds and six assists.

"He was just unbelievable," Izzo said. "To guard so many different kinds of guys and to be so unselfish. He did everything but make free throws and he's madder about that than me. The way he played, the shots he took, the rebounds he got, the way he defended and the way he passed was one of the better performances a player has had for me."

Freshman Branden Dawson had his second good game in a row, scoring 16 points with 10 coming in the second half.

That helped on a night Keith Appling and Brandon Wood combined to shoot 1-for-12.

"At the half I really challenged two guys," Izzo said.

"Wood with his defense and (Dawson) with his defense. I thought B.J. did an incredible job in the second half. I also thought Appling did an incredible job running the team and playing defense, he just didn't make some shots."

Minnesota (15-6, 3-5) tried to keep it close, hitting four 3-pointers in the first half and getting 15 points from Rodney Williams and 10 from Ralph Sampson III.

"I like to do special things with this group because I have such an appreciation for them," Izzo said. "They've melted together and it's because of an exceptional leader — Draymond Green."

And a coach who knows his 400th win was a little bigger than he wanted to let on.

mcharboneau@detnews.com

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