[Bette]

In February 2001, Michigan State was winning its 8th straight game against Wisconsin. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said graciously at that time how the UW seniors had developed , and he was glad to see them go.
That was the last time Izzo spoke after a Michigan State win in Madison. Since then, the Spartans have lost five straight games in the Kohl Center. And that led to this confession from Izzo when asked about the Badgers on Monday. "They've been a thorn in my side," he told the Detroit News. "Nobody (else) has done that to us. I'd have to say that's become one of our biggest rivalries in that respect. They haven't cheated their way through it. They've earned it. We're going to try to get that back the other way."

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