Tom Izzo didn't understand why MSU 'looked nervous' early vs UConn

Mar 28, 2026 - 20:00

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Tom Izzo didn't understand why MSU 'looked nervous' early vs UConn

Michigan State basketball was knocked out of 2026 March Madness on Friday, March 27, in a loss to Connecticut, 67-63, in the Sweet 16 in Washington.

To see what Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said about the 3-seed Spartans' NCAA Tournament loss to the 2-seed Huskies, watch the video above.

"We didn't play that good early, I mean it's no secret," Izzo said.

"I think it showed their true character by coming back like we did against a really good team.

"I think they're a really good team, I think they're a better team than us, we thought we had to play our best, we didn't and we fell a little short."

Izzo said MSU didn't defend the 3-point line well early, and saw some uncharacteristic missed free throws (13-for-18).

He was disappointed the team looked nervous, he said, but added the rough start wasn't for lack of effort or loafing. MSU allowed an early 22-2 run by UConn.

"After all the big games we played in, I didn't think we should've looked nervous, but we did," Izzo said about the start. "And then they hit shots. So that's a double negative."

Michigan State basketball roster for next season

Here's a rundown of MSU's 2026-27 lineup as of now, including the No. 2-ranked recruiting class in the nation for 2026. MSU could return its backcourt and starting wing.