In a game that saw the momentum swing back and forth, Tom Izzo get a technical, and Malik Hall throw-down a monster dunk, perhaps the most entertaining part of the game was something that didn't happen on the court.

During the opening minutes of the game, the Spartans led 15-10 when during a timeout the notoriously devious Izzone student section was up to its usual tomfoolery. For context, Minnesota Gophers guard Cam Christie is the younger brother of the Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie. Max is a Michigan State alum who played one season for the Spartans before declaring for the NBA draft in 2022.

 

2022 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot
Max Christie / Getty Images
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In an attempt to get inside Cam's head, the crowd began chanting "Max is better", which is pretty hilarious if you ask me. It is such a personal dig to target one player for such a niche roast that you can't help but laugh. Plus, the solidarity the Izzone still has for a player who wasn't with the university very long is touching.

 

 

While we can't confirm the chant was the direct cause of their loss, the Gophers did struggle quite a bit towards the end of the game, missing their last 5 shots that allowed the Spartans to go on a 14-4 run to end the game. The win brings the Spartans to 11-7 on the season, and 3-4 in Big 10 play. They have won 6 of their last 8 since starting the season 4-5.

Where Are These Michigan State Basketball Players Now?

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball program have been a premier school in College Basketball, with a streak of 25 straight NCAA tournament appearances. Stellar teams generate stellar players, and over the years, MSU has had no shortage of stand-out players who have gone on to have successful careers in professional basketball. Here are 12 Spartans in the last 12 years and where they are now.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

 

The Michigan State Spartans Top-15 Passing Leaders

The Spartans hired a former college quarterback to be their new head coach. Michigan State knows a thing or two about solid quarterback play.

Gallery Credit: Jacob Harrison

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