As is almost always the case when Indiana has faced Michigan State under Tom Izzo, Thursday night’s contest against the Spartans is a big challenge for IU.
On several occasions in the past, however, the Hoosiers have pulled through against great Michigan State teams, including several instances where the Spartans were ranked significantly higher than IU. The Hoosiers are 14-7 all-time against Izzo at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
Today we take a look back at some of the more memorable IU home wins over Tom Izzo led Spartan teams:
MARCH 2, 2019: THE IMPROBABLE SWEEP
Freshman point guard Rob Phinisee had built a reputation for late game offensive heroics, but this time it was his defense that carried the day for IU.
After a slow start, Indiana finished the game with a 35-23 advantage, including a 7-0 run over the game’s final 4:13.
Just like in East Lansing a month earlier, it was the combination of De’Ron Davis and Devonte Green playing together in the second half that sparked a 9-0 run that completely changed the course of the game. IU moved from down 45-35 to within one with the junior duo on the floor.
When they finally took the lead at 63-62, it was Indiana’s first lead since 2-0. And it was time for Phinisee to defend All-American point guard Cassius Winston. Phinisee got stops on MSU’s final two possessions and IU swept the Final Four bound Spartans.
JANUARY 21, 2017: THE JBJ SHOW
Indiana was in control most of the game after James Blackmon, Jr. made three 3-pointers and scored 10 points during a 14-2 run that gave Indiana a 20-10 lead. IU extended the margin to 44-30 at halftime, and 59-39 with 15:20 left before the Spartans charged back. MSU had a chance to pull within three in the game’s final minute.
The Hoosiers won this one 82-75.
Blackmon, Jr., matched a career high with 33 points. You can watch all of them in the video below produced by The Herald Times.
FEBRUARY 28, 2012: HOOSIERS TAKE OUT THIRD TOP 5 TEAM
Everyone knows the story about this Indiana team and their stunning upset of No. 1 Kentucky.
Later in the Big Ten season IU would go on to beat No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Michigan State as well.
The Hoosiers dominated the Spartans in this one, 70-55. Cody Zeller scored 18 points, Victor Oladipo had 13 and Christian Watford finished with 10 points and a career-high 14 rebounds.
FEBRUARY 27, 2005: OVERTIME THRILLER
Bracey Wright scored 32 points and D.J. White added 17, including the tying basket in the closing seconds of regulation and the go-ahead basket in overtime, to lead unranked Indiana to a 78-74 victory over No. 10 Michigan State.
The victory was Indiana’s 400th in 34-year-old Assembly Hall.
JANUARY 7, 2001: KIRK HASTON STUNS SPARTY
There really isn’t much that needs to be said. It is a moment that will live on in the minds of Hoosier fans forever. Unranked Indiana took out the undefeated defending national champion and No. 1 ranked Michigan State Spartans on a buzzer beater.
Kirk Haston’s 3-pointer as the clock went to zero beat Michigan State 59-58, snapping the Spartans’ 23-game winning streak.
Haston was tackled by his teammates in front of the Michigan State bench and students poured onto the floor.
It was the first loss for Michigan State since their last visit to Bloomington.
FEBRUARY 26, 2000: HOOSIERS KNOCK OUT THE EVENTUAL CHAMPS IN OT
The 2000 Michigan State Spartans would go on to win a national title, but they couldn’t finish off the Hoosiers on this day.
It was the second of two overtime contests that year, with Michigan State winning the first game 77-71 at East Lansing.
AJ Guyton had a career-high 34 points, but it was his air-ball that Lynn Washington caught and put in the basket with a half-second left in overtime that allowed the Hoosiers to pull this one out 81-79 in Bob Knight’s last season in Bloomington.
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