Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo speaks to the media after the 99-69 win over Oakland on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, in East Lansing. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press
EAST LANSING — After an early season gauntlet of a schedule forced Michigan State's basketball team to bounce around the nation, the Spartans finally were able to relax just in time for the holidays.
And with that down time, they were able to do some soul-searching.
Before his players left for the holidays, MSU coach Tom Izzo told them to have Santa gift them a present or two.