Michigan State vs. Rutgers highlights: College hoops on FOX

It’s a full day of men’s college basketball on FOX, and we’re bringing you all the action from start to finish!

Kicking things off, Michigan State (14-8) takes on Rutgers (15-7) in a Big Ten matchup at Madison Square Garden.

Later, Illinois (16-6) will face Iowa (14-8) to power the afternoon slate, followed by No. 16 Xavier (18-5) hosting St. John’s (14-9) at Cincinnati. Rounding out Saturday’s FOX action is Villanova (10-12) battling Creighton (14-8).

Here are the best plays!

Michigan State vs. Rutgers

It’s hard to gain momentum in the Big Ten

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo was asked to evaluate his team before the game, calling it “confused” and explaining that it has been difficult for the Spartans to earn a spot because the Big Ten” it’s very surprising.”

“It gets really confusing because you don’t realize how good all the teams are,” he said, “… but maybe nobody is elite except Purdue. And they are elite.”

A story of tragedy narrowly averted

In the lead-up to Michigan State-Rutgers, we tell the emotional story of former Spartans assistant Mike Garland, who avoided tragedy thanks to the help of two strangers.

Izzo said, “My friend lives off those two guys.”

A battle on the court

Mowat Mag gave the Scarlet Knights and early lead with a corner 3.

No!

AJ Hoggard flew in to deny Rutgers what looked like it would be an easy basket.

From DEEP!

The first half was back and forth, with Tyson Walker putting the Spartans up with an NBA 3-pointer. Michigan State had a 25-19 lead at the half behind Walker’s seven points. The Spartans held Rutgers to just 7-of-29 shooting (24.1 percent) from the field.

COMING TO FOX:

Illinois to Iowa (2:30 p.m. ET)