Michigan State's 90-60 beatdown against Valparaiso on Sunday wasn't just another win for the Spartans (4-0). Head coach Tom Izzo is now tied with his predecessor Jud Heathcote at 340 career victories and looks to have no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
“I think it’ll make Jud feel good that his hand-picked successor is the one that at least tied his record,” Izzo said of Heathcote, who was also inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame Sunday night. "It's kind of ironic on the day he goes into the Hall that I tie his record. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be."
Izzo first took over the job in 1995 and has proven to be one of the most successful Spartan head coaches in history, as well as being widely respected on the national scene. Since his takeover Izzo has won a national championship in 2000 and lead his teams on numerous runs through March Madness, including last year's squad playing for the national championship in Detroit at Ford Field.
Chris Allen scored 22 points against Valparaiso and was a major factor in helping his team remain undefeated after four games. The Spartans were relentless in the first half with a 25-9 lead and led 46-28 at the break. With the win the Spartans defeated their 43rd straight non-conference opponent (second-longest streak in the country).
Valparaiso coach Homer Drew knew his team would have their hands full with a tough Michigan State squad.
"You just didn't want to be this team on this given day playing Michigan State University," Drew said. "It was kind of like a V-8 playing a V-4. Their engine ran faster and quicker than we did."
Michigan State next plays Florida on November 27.
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