Tom Izzo and Michigan State have done it again. Michigan State's upset over Marquette not only sent the Spartans to the Sweet 16, as the victory helped Izzo make even more NCAA Tournament history.
Michigan State, who was ranked No. 7 in the East Region, took down No. 2 Marquette 69-60 in the second round of the tournament. The victory marked Izzo's 16th win in the NCAA tournament as the lower-seeded team. He surpassed former Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim for the most in tournament history since seeding began in 1979, via ESPN Stats & Info.
The Spartans took an early advantage against Marquette, leading 33-28 at halftime. Michigan State wouldn't take their foot off the gas, outscoring the Golden Eagles 36-32. Their strong performance has lined Michigan State up for a matchup against Kansas State in the Sweet 16.
As for Tom Izzo, this latest victory continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. He has led the Spartans to 25-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, which also set a record for Izzo. In 15 of those appearances, they have reached the Sweet 16.
Izzo's Spartans have continuously debunked March Madness's seeding procedures. No matter if Michigan State is deemed the underdogs, Izzo has had his team ready to compete.
If they want to continue in the NCAA Tournament, this year's squad will have to continue to embrace their underdog role. Kansas State is the No. 3 seed in the East Region.
But that won't bother Izzo. The Michigan State head coach has broken even more records during the Spartan's run. For Izzo, the only thing sweeter would be a trip to the Final Four for the first time since 2019.
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