Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the second half of a Big Ten men’s basketball game against Rutgers, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Spartans won, 81-74. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A travel delay taught Tom Izzo more about his Spartans than their 12-game winning streak. Here's how they plan to keep it going.

Tom Izzo and No. 8 Michigan State basketball has two demons to try and conquer Saturday — a talented Rutgers squad and the Madison Square Garden aura.

Tom Izzo's impact is felt beyond the basketball court and throughout Michigan State's athletic department and community.

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan State Spartans moved to 8-0 in conference play with an 81-74 win over Rutgers University in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Head basketball coach Tom Izzo spoke with the media about the win over the Scarlet Knights.

The Michigan State men’s basketball team continued their winning ways over the weekend. Led by freshman Jace Richardson’s 20 points off the bench, the Spartans took down Rutgers, 81-74, at Madison Square Garden.

Tom Izzo said No. 12 Michigan State basketball must defend better Sunday against No. 20 Illinois on Sunday despite the Spartans' offensive upturn.

Tom Izzo sees No. 12 Michigan State basketball getting tougher after beating No. 20 Illinois on Sunday, but also knows so will the Spartans' schedule.

No. 7 Michigan State men's basketball will be back at home for just a game before it heads out for its trip to the West Coast. The Sparta

An incensed Tom Izzo called Michigan State basketball's second-half defensive issues "a problem" after surviving Penn State for a 10th straight win

Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, top left, blocks a shot by Penn State guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) as Michigan State center Carson Cooper (15) watches during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) AP

To be fair to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, there aren't as many Alan Andersons and Shannon Browns across college basketball as there once were.