The comeback win gave Izzo his 353rd Big Ten victory to tie Bob Knight and there are obvious parallels between the two – success, longevity and a burning passion that spills onto the floor. Although Izzo has downplayed the record, tying “The General” on the same day his 2000 national championship team was honored was rewarding.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo tied Bob Knight's Big Ten wins record. Monday, Purdue coach Matt Painter talked about Izzo's success.

Of his 353 conference wins, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has beat Minnesota and Penn State the most.

Tom Izzo has a chance to break a tie with Bob Knight for the most league wins in Big Ten history Tuesday when Michigan State basketball hosts Indiana.

No. 11 Michigan State men's basketball had a memorable game against Oregon and will look to have another when it hosts Indiana on Tuesday.

Michigan State Head coach Tom Izzo talks to the refs during a basketball game between Michigan State and Oregon at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Michigan State found momentum in the second half to secure an 86-74 win. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)

When Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo sat in the visiting press room March 10 last year in the bowels of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, he said it was a “joke” that Indiana men’s basketball head coach Mike Woodson needed public reassurance he’d be returning for the 2024-25 campaign.

Watch Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo get emotional addressing fans Saturday after tying Bob Knight's record for most wins in the Big Ten:

With his 2000 title team watching, Tom Izzo tied Bob Knight's Big Ten record as Michigan State basketball pulled off an epic comeback win over Oregon.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo tied Bob Knight’s Big Ten record for wins, leading the ninth-ranked Spartans to a comeback 86-74 victory over Oregon.