What they said: Tom Izzo. John Beilein praise Michigan-MSU rivalry after latest chapter

Michigan State came into Crisler Center on Sunday afternoon and took down the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 77-70 in the first of two regular season showdowns between the two teams.

Tom Izzo took the podium after the game, calling Michigan a good team that just did not make its shots while also praising the rivalry.

John Beilein opened his press conference by calling this game what it was, which wound up being a good performance for about 30 minutes before the wheels fell off.

He was also asked to address the rivalry, where he took Izzo’s comments a step further and said that he believes Michigan-Michigan State is currently the sport’s premier rivalry with the resumes of the two teams over the last decade or so.

Also of note but not in video here is Beilein updating the status of Charles Matthews, who injured his ankle during the game but was able to return. There does not seem to be much concern over it, but he did say that he is expected to receive at least some treatment this week before Thursday night’s game against Nebraska.

Jon Teske and Ignas Brazdeikis spoke to the media sandwiched in between the sessions with the two coaches.

Here’s what Teske had to say:

And Brazdeikis:

These two teams will meet again in the regular season finale on March 9 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

Next up for the Wolverines is the home finale on Thursday night with the Nebraska Cornhuskers coming to town. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET from Crisler Center.