The Izzone started off the night strong with a solid chorus of boos the second that Caleb Swanigan’s name was called for the starting lineup. Only issue? Swanigan had ice running through his veins and no mater how loud the Izzone cheered, it didn’t help the Spartan’s get any taller. Size set in eventually and the Spartans drop their 3rd straight, losing 84-73 vs Purdue.

Here are my three takeaways:

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Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

1. Size DOES Matter

I have been a little guy my whole life. I know that there are some major advantages to being small. You are perceived as quick, handles are typically a but better than the big men. What you lack in size, you make up in heart and hustle. All that is well and good, until you have to face a team with a dude standing 7’2” and another who is 6’9” and shoots over 40% from beyond the arc.

In the first half, Ward and Goins got into foul trouble but some stellar shooting from Michigan State and Matt Van Dyk going straight Balboa vs Drago on Haas for a few possessions kept it close, but in the second half Swanigan took over and ended up with 25 points and 17 rebounds. The losses of Gavin Shilling and Ben Carter were always going to be an issue, this is just another example.

2. Miles Bridges is Good

Allow me to treat you to a little sing-a-long:

When you're weary, points are small,

When tears are in your eyes,

He will dry them all

He’s on your side

When games get rough, And wins just can't be found

Miles Bridges against any defense, He will drive the lane

Miles Bridges against any defense , He can hit the trey

When you're down and out, Big Ten knocks you off your feet

Izzo’s face is so red

He will calm him down

He will play the 5, When Ward’s fouls come

And size just can’t be found

Miles Bridges against any big man, He will block the shot

Miles Bridges against any point guard , He can steal the ball

Throw it up, Joshua

Alley-Oop, Tum

Your time has come to shine

All your assists are on their way,

See how he soars

If you need a block, he’s flying right behind

Miles Bridges against any defense, He will drive the lane

Miles Bridges against any defense , He can hit the trey

Miles Bridges does Miles Bridges things again. Puts up 33 points, 7 boards and 4 blocks and held the Spartans together for the majority of the game. He was the only Spartan in double figures and it sucks to think that we are only going to have him for this year.

3. Don’t Be A Dakich

Listen, Dan “Did you know my kid plays for Michigan” Dakich was on the call once again and in between working in Spike Albrecht analogies and talking about how much he hates mascots, he mentioned that Michigan State is a bubble team for the NCAA tournament. As Austin said after the Indiana game, it is not quite time to jump off the bandwagon just yet.

This team has 10 games left in conference (5 at home) and plenty can happen in that time. They don’t “need to win the B1G Tournament to get in”. Relax and don’t be a Dakich, alright?

BONUS: Izzo Caption Contest Winner

This game’s photo:

And the winner is:

Hurts, but it’s true.