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Big Ten Basketball: In-depth look at Michigan-Michigan State rivalry

By Ryan Kay

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball while defended by Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball while defended by Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Michigan State Spartans Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo watches the action dusting the first half of the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at the Breslin Center on December 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Northern Illinois 88-60. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Michigan State Spartans Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo watches the action dusting the first half of the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at the Breslin Center on December 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Northern Illinois 88-60. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

The Legendary Coaches

The head coaches for the Spartans and Wolverines have done well with their respective teams and have garnered much success since their time spent at the helm of their programs. Michigan State and Michigan both have had success in the regular season and postseason play under the respective leadership of their coaches Tom Izzo and John Beilein.

Michigan under Beilein who is in his 12th season as the head coach of the Wolverines, has taken Michigan to the NCAA Tournament 8 times. Of those eight appearances, the Wolverines have gone to two national championship games, four Sweet Sixteens, three Elite Eights, and two Final Fours.

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Izzo in his 23rd season as head coach of Michigan State has to lead the Spartans to one national championship, two national championship appearances, seven Final Fours, nine Elite Eights, thirteen Sweet Sixteens, and 21 straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

In Big Ten play under Beilein, Michigan has two regular season conference titles and two conference tournament titles. In comparison, Michigan State under Izzo has won eight regular season conference titles and five conference tournament titles. Both coaches will have their teams ready when these two rivals meet.

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