Busting Brackets
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Are Spartans trending upward or downward as a program?

By Ryan Kay

Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle
Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Big Ten Basketball
Feb 16, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter fist bumps Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo after the game at Mackey Arena. The Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Michigan State Spartans 75 to 65. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

2020-21 Season

The 2020-2021 Michigan State basketball season was a challenging one due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team still managed to have some notable accomplishments. They finished with a disappointing overall record of 15-13 and a Big Ten Conference record: of 9-11 which the Spartans ended up tied for ninth place. They did receive an NCAA Tournament bid in which the team received a No. 11 seed in the tournament but lost to UCLA in the First Four.

Season Accomplishments

Started the season undefeated: The Spartans won their first six games leading to them being ranked No. 4 in the country.

Undefeated in Non-Conference play: Michigan State had key wins against Notre Dame at home and a road victory against Duke. Even though they only played six non-conference games, the Spartans played well in non-conference play.

Notable Big Ten Victories: Wins over No. 6 Illinois and No. 5 Ohio State during the regular season

Ended Big Ten play on a strong note: Besides their notable wins against Illinois and Ohio State, the Spartans won five of their last seven games to end Big Ten regular season play that included beating Indiana twice and a win over No. 2 Michigan at home.

Two players receive All-Big Ten honors: Senior guard Joshua Langford was named to the All-Big Ten third team and freshman forward A.J. Hoggard was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team

Season Outcome

Having lost to Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament and losing to UCLA in overtime in the NCAA Tournament, the end of the season what not what the Spartans were hoping for. Despite the team’s struggles, head coach Tom Izzo praised his players for their resilience and work ethic during a challenging season.

Home/Michigan State Spartans