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Beilein and Izzo respect the rivalry — and each other

Michigan coach talks about his team's win at Minnesota, the program's 1989 title team coming back and Sunday's showdown against Michigan State.

Ann Arbor — When Michigan coach John Beilein was resting and recovering after having heart surgery this past summer, his phone was flooded with messages from well-wishers.

One of the first people to reach out? Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.

It was a small gesture but one that shows the mutual admiration between the guiding figures at opposite ends of a passionate intrastate rivalry.