EAST LANSING - Tom Izzo stopped short of saying he would be rooting for Michigan and a share of the Big Ten title on Sunday, but did indicate that his old boss wouldn't be happy with his leanings.

Former Michigan State coach and Izzo mentor Jud Heathcote used to say there is never anything good that can come from a Michigan victory. Yet this weekend the Spartans need a Michigan victory in order for Michigan State to win a share of the Big Ten title. Michigan would also clinch a share of the title if the Wolverines win.

Heathcote's beliefs were held in the days when Michigan State infrequently competed for Big Ten titles. Now that the Spartans are possibly on the verge of their fourth Big Ten title in five years, there seems to be a thaw in the hatred, for one weekend anyway, if Izzo's hints were accurately taken.

"If he knew one of his guys rooted (for Michigan), Jud would come out of his ... well, he's not it one yet," Izzo said, perhaps nearly forgetting that Heathcote is still very much alive.

Searching to put it another way, Izzo said: "Jud would roll off his bed and abuse me."

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