Michigan State basketball: Is Tom Izzo to blame for Iowa loss?

Michigan State basketball came up short against Iowa at home in one of the most disappointing games of the year. Is it on Tom Izzo?

Here we are after another inexplicable Michigan State basketball loss, looking for someone to blame.

Does there always need to be someone to blame after a loss? When it’s one that should never have happened against a non-NCAA Tournament team at home, absolutely. And once again, everyone is wondering whose fault it is.

Is it AJ Hoggard for missing a few layups and playing out of control? Is it Malik Hall’s for having another one of those inconsistent games that we’ve grown accustomed to throughout his career? Is it the center position for still not figuring it out? Is it the entire defensive end of the court for allowing 78 points and giving up a score on every single critical defensive possession down the stretch?

No, it’s actually on Tom Izzo, once again.

I know what many of you might say: Tom Izzo didn’t miss layups or fail to grab rebounds or miss wide-open shots down the stretch. And you’re right, that wasn’t on him. But what was on him was the fact that his team didn’t look prepared for a zone despite having a couple of days to prepare. It’s his fault that his own team was out-toughed on its home floor against one of the middle-of-the-pack teams in the conference with March right around the corner. It’s his fault for watching Xavier Booker play well in limited action and then never insert him back in the game when the centers are struggling despite promising to play him more.

And then for spewing this asinine statement:

Izzo on Xavier Booker: "I'm not disappointed in Book, I just gotta find the right matchup for him."

— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) February 21, 2024

Death. Taxes. Izzo recycling the same frustrating post-game quotes.

Yes, this Iowa loss is on Izzo the same way the Minnesota loss was on him and the past four years of mediocrity have been on him. While he’s not responsible for some of his guys playing poorly, he is responsible for not giving minutes to those who deserve them. It’s infuriating. And it happened again on Tuesday night, leading to an inexcusable 78-71 home loss to a mediocre Iowa team.

It’s time for him to shake the stubbornness.