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Tom Izzo: John Beilein helped make Michigan State-Michigan a true rivalry

Michigan State rallied in the 2nd half en route to its 6th Big Ten tournament title and third win this season over Michigan, 65-60, March 17, 2019. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

Both men delivered compliments toward each other and their respective programs. And each agreed.

For a decade, John Beilein helped make Michigan basketball into a legitimate rival for Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball.

“I was hoping we’d win every game, to be honest with you. I liked it better when we were doing that,” Izzo said in February. “It’s wasn’t a rivalry early in my career.