MSU’s back-to-back losses to USC and UCLA didn’t just snap a 13-game winning streak; they cost the Spartans control of the Big Ten title race. Once in the driver’s seat, MSU now faces the brunt of its backloaded schedule with little room for error.

"I was disappointed in how we played because I think we were good enough to win two," Izzo said after practice Thursday. "And as we always are, we’re good enough to lose two. That’s it. That’s all it is. No surprises."

Against USC, MSU’s starting unit was flat as the Trojans quickly built a 15-point advantage. The Spartans trailed the rest of the way, unable to rebound and run during crucial stretches of a second-half rally that fell short. MSU was upset again three days later, turning the ball over 16 times to UCLA’s three. The Bruins scored in the final seconds to defend home court with a 63-61 win. 

On the Spartans’ first trip to Southern California in the expanded Big Ten, they entered with a two-game cushion atop the Big Ten standings and left in second place, trailing Purdue (18-5, 10-2) by a half-game and tied with Michigan (17-5, 9-2). MSU hosts the Boilermakers on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and the Wolverines on senior day, March 9.

"The trip did not cost us playing like we did. We cost us playing like we did," Izzo said. "Not the trip. It was no problem."

Before the season, Izzo said he thought four or five Big Ten losses would suffice for the league title. The Hall of Fame coach reiterated that sentiment following MSU’s 13th straight win on Jan. 29. The Spartans hurt their championship aspirations in Los Angeles but remain in tight contention for what would be their first conference title since before the pandemic. 

Before Saturday, MSU and Oregon have never met on either team’s home court or as Big Ten foes. After a blazing 9-0 start that included wins over Alabama and Texas A&M, the Ducks have dropped seven of their last 14 contests and five of their last six Big Ten games, holding an unconvincing 5-7 record in conference play. 

Like MSU last weekend, Oregon is amidst an extended stay across the country. The Ducks lost to Michigan by four points Wednesday, nearly making a 14-point comeback, and play at Northwestern on Feb. 11.

Oregon freshman guard Jackson Shelstad, who averages 15.3 points per game, is capable of hitting tough shots and will test MSU’s perimeter defense. Inside, 7-foot senior forward Nate Bittle can score at all three levels, especially gifted around the rim. Transfer forwards TJ Bamba and Brandon Angel give the Ducks versatility that, like USC and UCLA, will challenge the Spartans. 

Oregon struggles to shoot from distance, but so does MSU, which shot a combined 10-for-37 from three in Los Angeles. The Spartans’ backcourt connectedness through 20 games faltered, aided by an injury that sidelined freshman guard Jase Richardson in the second half against UCLA. In November, Richardson sat out for MSU’s overtime win against North Carolina at the Maui Invitational after taking an elbow to the head. 

Izzo said Richardson feels "great" and had one of his best practices Thursday. 

"I thought it was (Richardson’s) knee," Izzo said. "It was his wind, and he got hit in the side. (If) I would’ve known that I probably would’ve played him more at the end."

Izzo also said that the Spartans may face Oregon without sophomore forward Xavier Booker, who has the flu. 

A crowded, challenging schedule lies ahead for MSU, which will play six of its last nine regular-season games against teams currently ranked inside the AP Top 25. 

MSU and Oregon will square off on Saturday, Feb. 8 at noon at Breslin Center. FOX will air the game.