Izzo's Reputation "Officially" Dooms Spartans

The Michigan State Spartans looked to be in control on Saturday against the Wisconsin Badgers.  Then the officials really started to "blow-it"; the whistle that is.  The Spartans had four players disqualified due to fouls were unable to put a line-up on the floor for the closing minutes that could match Wisconsin's size and strength.  This is not the first time the Spartans have had fouls stop them in their tracks. 

The Spartans lost to Iowa on the road January 12th when they committed 25 personal fouls.  The Hawkeyes only committed 10.  The Hawkeyes went to the foul line 29 times converting on 16 attempts and totaled only 43 points.  MSU meanwhile made 1 of their lofty 4 attempts that game.  

At Penn State a little less than a month later things would get worse.  Penn State would shoot 51 free throws to MSU's 21.  The Nittany Lions made 34 and ended with 85 points.  The Spartans lost the game by nine.  Izzo criticism of the officials following the game probably should have cost him a fine.  But maybe there was good reason for him to be upset.  

On Saturday, Wisconsin made 26 of 37 attempts while the Spartans shot only 19.  Many times when a team consistently fails to get to the free throw line it is because they don't attack the basket.  However, Wisconsin took more three pointers than MSU in this game and attempted 4 fewer shots from inside the arc.  

It may be time that the Big Ten Conference asks why its most dominant team over the last decade seems to be playing 5 on 8 some nights.  Izzo has built his program with a focus on tough nosed defense and rebounding.  These often force them to be more physical.  But isn't the Big Ten known as a physical conference?  Izzo's reputation seems to be hurting his team.  Referee's and opposing coaches seem to be focused in on the Spartans' physicality.  On the road it seems that these factors are too much a focus for the officials.  Wisconsin is every bit as physical, tough, and plodding as MSU.  You have to wonder why this doesn't seem to be noticed by the men in stripes.