The nonconference schedule was a disappointment for Michigan State, but the Spartans can send an early message that Big Ten play will be different when they visit No. 21 Wisconsin on Saturday.
The game matches the winners of the last six Big Ten championships. Michigan State (5-6, 0-0) won four straight league titles from 1998-2001, while Wisconsin (10-2, 1-0) won the last two.
The Spartans were the preseason favorites to regain the crown this season, but haven't looked like it so far. Playing a demanding early schedule, Michigan State went 0-6 against traditional powers Duke, Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, UCLA and Syracuse. Only one of those teams is not ranked.
"We have to lick our wounds and have nobody to blame for the schedule but me," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "I made it and still think it was a good schedule for us. In my wildest dreams, I didn't think we'd go 0-6, but we did."
To rebound from their poor start, the Spartans must start playing better defensively. Normally one of the nation's toughest defensive teams under Izzo, Michigan State this season has allowed opponents to shoot 48.5 percent from the field. Four of the last seven have shot better than 50 percent, with two topping 60 percent.
The Spartans limited teams to 40.3 percent shooting last season, with only four opponents making 50 percent.
"I think we may be relying on help just a little too much. We've just got to communicate," center Paul Davis said.
"We watched tape of the championship year (2000) and watched how they played. They made turnovers, but they helped each other on the defensive end and they were together as a team out there. If we do that together on the court, I think we're really going to turn around defensively."
The low point defensively might have come in last Saturday's 96-83 loss to the Orangemen. Michigan State allowed Syracuse to shoot 60.3 percent and surrendered its highest point total in regulation since a 99-68 loss to Indiana on March 10, 1993.
Still, the Spartans can turn things around with a victory at Madison, where Wisconsin has won 21 straight.
"This is one of the toughest places to go and play, and that is our first game. We're looking at it as an opportunity to improve on what we have been doing," Spartans guard Chris Hill said.
"If we can go out and get a big win there, which we can do if we play like we are capable of playing, we'll be a step ahead of a lot of other Big Ten teams."
The Badgers opened defense of their title in dominant fashion, routing Indiana 79-45 on Tuesday. Mike Wilkinson had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Devin Harris added 15 to go over 1,000 for his career.
Harris averages 5.7 assists to lead the Big Ten. The Badgers are tops in the league in scoring defense (54.8 points per game) and turnover margin (plus-6.3).
Wisconsin has won the last two meetings after Michigan State had won eight in a row. The Spartans lead the series 63-49.
