Back to the Michigan State Spartans Newsfeed

Neil’s Notebook: Slow Start Costs Spartans in Loss

EAST LANSING – In its last four games, Michigan State played with lots of energy and with a high compete level.

It led to a pair of victories and two close losses in which the Spartans, with a break or two, could have won.

On Saturday at Munn Arena, MSU’s compete and energy level “streak” ended with a disappointing performance in arguably the most important game of the season.

Instead of giving themselves a good chance to sweep their most intense rival – Michigan – the Spartans responded with low compete level and looked tired for a tone-setting first 20 minutes.