Tom Izzo keeps proving that he’s Mr. March. The Michigan State men’s basketball team upset No. 2 seed Marquette on Sunday (March 19), but it wasn’t really an upset. Anyone who has followed Izzo’s 25-plus year career with the Spartans knows that winning games in March is just what he does.

After the Spartans’ big win over the Golden Eagles, Izzo snagged his 16th career victory as the lower seed in the NCAA Tournament, which is a tournament record. He also has taken a basketball team seeded No. 5 or lower to the Sweet 16 six times, which is also a new tournament record.

This year’s trip to the Sweet 16 is a bit different, though.

“It’s been a long year,” Izzo he said on CBS after the celebration of Michigan State’s 69-60 victory over Marquette.

Izzo was referencing not just basketball, but also the recent mass shooting at MSU. Five weeks ago, a gunman entered Berkey Hall on Michigan State University’s campus and fired shots that killed three students and injured several more. Extra curricular activities were canceled or postponed, including MSU’s basketball game that week against Minnesota, which was never rescheduled.

“Virtually all of my adult life, I’ve been a Spartan,” Izzo said that evening. “I’ve seen some incredible highs, and yes, unfortunately there have been some devastating lows. But as a Spartan, we always get through it together. We are Spartan tough, Spartan strong. If you need proof, look at all of us standing here tonight. Emotions are different for each and every person. I cry in front of my team. I cry on national TV. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions. We all process trauma in a very different way. I’m just glad we’re all here together tonight.”

Izzo is more than just MSU’s longtime head basketball coach. He’s part of the MSU institution. He’s the personification of what it means to be a Spartan. He’s, well, Tom Izzo.

Michigan State will go up against Kansas State on Thursday (March 23) in the Sweet 16. That game will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

15 trips to the Sweet 16 under Coach Izzo 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/kQbXrgoIV0

— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 20, 2023