As a result of Randolph and Richardson 's early departure , MSU struggled with Izzo 's tough non-conference schedule . The Spartans lost four games , all to teams ranked in the top 25 and started the Big ten season with three straight losses . The loss to Wisconsin snapped MSU 's 53-game home winning streak . Michigan State finished the conference schedule at 10 – 6 and in fourth place with an overall record of 19 – 10 . MSU lost in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament to No. 23 Indiana marking the first time since 1997 that Michigan State did not win either the Big Ten regular season or tournament title . The Spartans received an at-large bid as a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament and were eliminated in the First Round by NC State
Big Ten Tournament
2002 Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Tournament
Michigan State Spartans men's basketball