Michigan State's Gritty Victory

In an era where perimeter shooting dominates the basketball landscape, with top programs like Duke, Alabama, and Marquette capitalizing on three-point attempts, Michigan State is charting its own course under the guidance of head coach Tom Izzo. In last night's nail-biter, the Spartans managed a gritty 69-62 victory over Ohio State—despite attempting only 18 three-pointers and hitting just three, translating to a mere 28% shooting rate from beyond the arc this season.

Defensive Tenacity Over Shooting Efficiency

While this shooting statistic places Michigan State at a dismal 342nd nationally in three-point shooting efficiency, their tenacity on defense is making up for offensive shortcomings. The win against Ohio State, a Quadrant 1 victory against a team currently ranked 27th in the NET, improved the Spartans’ record to an impressive 12-2 overall and a flawless 3-0 in Big Ten play.

Coach Izzo's Philosophy

After the game, Izzo emphasized the importance of any win, stating, "An ugly win is better than a pretty loss." The coach’s sentiment highlights a core principle: winning matters above all, especially in a competitive conference like the Big Ten.

Rankings and Future Outlook

Currently placed at No. 9 in CBS Sports' updated Top 25 rankings, Michigan State is one of only three teams enjoying a perfect start in the Big Ten, along with UCLA and Michigan. The Spartans are set to face a favorable schedule ahead, with three out of their next four games being at home. An upcoming January 4 matchup against Illinois could very well further solidify their winning streak.

The Road Ahead for Michigan State

If Michigan State continues to prioritize defense and grind out results—even when the shooting doesn’t improve—they could easily extend this streak into double digits. In the eyes of the NCAA Selection Committee, it’s all about winning, and should the Spartans maintain their current form, they could find themselves in a strong position come Selection Sunday, possibly contending for Izzo's ninth appearance in the NCAA Tournament's Final Four.

Conclusion

As the team continues to adapt and tackle their weaknesses, the Spartans are demonstrating that sometimes, it’s not how you win, but simply that you win that truly counts in college basketball!