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Why Michigan State basketball's opener vs. Eastern Michigan almost didn't happen

Tom Izzo admitted he felt physically fatigued, but relieved and appreciative.

No. 12 Michigan State basketball’s season-opener against Eastern Michigan almost didn’t happen.

The Eagles were forced to have six players and assistant coach Kevin Mondro sit out Wednesday due to contact tracing after a team manager tested positive for COVID-19, head coach Rob Murphy said after the Spartans’ 83-67 win at Breslin Center.

“Unfortunately for us, we didn’t have three centers, a couple forwards,” Murphy said. “We needed those guys to help anchor our zone and rebound the basketball and finish inside.