EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -If Tom Izzo gets his wish, Michigan State will go from good to great because its players figure out how to focus consistently.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson returned to campus last weekend to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the championship he helped the Spartans win, and the Hall of Fame player said focusing was the key to success when he was in college and the NBA.
Michigan State (21-5, 11-3 Big Ten) has struggled to play at or near its potential during games and from week to week, but talent and hard work have put the program in position to win its first conference title since 2001.
The Spartans rallied from a 12-point deficit midway through the second half Sunday to beat Wisconsin by 11 points after getting routed at Purdue. They’re ranked No. 9 this week, down three spots in The Associated Press’ poll.
Michigan State’s road to an elusive Big Ten title will take it to Illinois, Indiana and against Purdue in the regular season finale.
ke sure they don’t overlook 10th-place and banged-up Iowa on Wednesday night at home.
“It’s the perfect time of year to see if we’re growing up enough to handle this in a business-type approach,” Izzo said.
Michigan State is hoping backup point guard Korie Lucious will be able to shake flulike symptoms well enough go through a full practice Tuesday, preparing him to give Kalin Lucas more breaks against Iowa and for the rest of the season.
The Spartans are also counting on Raymar Morgan to rebound to form after getting on the court for two games following a three-game absence because of various illnesses.
“I’m hoping by the end of this week, we’ve got him back fully,” Izzo said. “We really need Raymar Morgan.”
Michigan State has a one-game lead over Purdue and a 1 1/2-game edge on Illinois in the Big Ten standings.
After hosting the Hawkeyes – who rallied Sunday to force overtime against Michigan and to win – the Spartans close the regular season on the road against Illinois, Indiana and against Purdue on March 8 in the Breslin Center.
Izzo hopes that is enough time to integrate Morgan back into the lineup, to help Durrell Summers and Chris Allen make more shots and to give Lucious playing time while Lucas rests.
“If we’re going to be really good and utilize our depth, getting that rotation back is going to be important,” Izzo said.
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