MSU's game at Palestra a thrill for players, coaches

Philadelphia — Tom Izzo had been itching to play at the Palestra for years and was disappointed by how his team played.

For Penn State coach Pat Chambers, it was like coming home. He grew up in the area and played at Philadelphia University. The town is also a recruiting hotbed for him as he continues to build the Nittany Lions’ program.

So moving Saturday’s home game from the dull Bryce-Jordan Center on Penn State’s campus to the old arena in Philadelphia was a good move, especially after Penn State walked away with a 72-63 victory, its first over Michigan State since 2011.

“It was a magical experience, for sure,” Chambers said. “Not just for me and our team, but for all Penn Staters. Man, that was that fun. To have a packed house like that, the home-court advantage was amazing. To have it here at The Palestra, these kids will never forget this experience as long as they live.

“It was nice to come out on top, for sure. Yesterday we walked the halls and it was a nice refresher for everybody. Some of us ran to Rocky this morning. … There’s something really magical about this place. It’s very near and dear to my heart and I will not forget this day for a long time.”

Chambers was also quick to thank Izzo for agreeing to play a game for which he knew his team would likely have the disadvantage.

“He didn’t have to do that and he did,” Chambers said. “Michigan State is a great team and they have great players. For Coach Izzo to say he’d do it, knowing the home court, knowing it would be a sellout and he did it anyway. I appreciate him for the love he had for the game of college basketball.”

Izzo also hopes his team takes something from the visit, one that included much more cramped quarters than the Spartans are used to.

“I told them we would have hung our coats on hooks, we didn’t even have hooks in there,” Izzo said. “It was awesome. Threw my coat on the floor. This is some humility, and we need some humility right now on my team.”

Junior Tum Tum Nairn was disappointed the Spartans couldn’t get Izzo a win at The Palestra.

“I wanted to win that game not only for us but Coach Izz,” Nairn said. “This is a place he has been wanting to play at his whole career and this is a big-time arena. Been here since 1927. It meant a lot to get him a win here.”

mcharboneau@detroitnews.com

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