Michigan State men’s basketball is already 12 games into its season, and while it’s already more than a third of the way through, the true test is only about to start.

The Spartans have certainly been battle tested, and with a win over Western Michigan on Monday, they would set themselves up nicely going into the new year. In order for them to continue to excel when they resume Big Ten play next week, they will need to continue to do what’s gotten them to the No. 18 spot in the nation: excelling as a team.

Everyone seems to be playing well right now, and it’s that unselfish team play that has led to their strong start.

On this episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, our Aidan Champion tells host Bryan Anthony Davis who he thinks has impressed so far this season, as well as who still needs to step up.

You can watch the epsiode below:

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo addressed the media on Saturday as he and his team get ready for their home matchup with Western Michigan. Below is a partial transcript from his media availability:

Q: How do you keep the team in-sync right now?

Izzo: “Yeah, I’m normally not — I’m more of a pessimist than an optimist, but we came back, we had a great practice the 26th for like an hour and 15, and then, we went two-a-days yesterday, had two really good practices, and today was phenomenal. At the end, we got a little tired, which we should, and now we’re into one-a-days with some meetings. But really pleased by the way they’re kind of — strength in numbers is really helping us right now.”

Q: You don’t love these games against former assistants?

Izzo: “Yeah, I don’t. I don’t like them. I like them because I think it’s really good for them, from the standpoint they get to play here and make some money, but it’s not good for me. I mean, there’s a guy [Dwayne Stephens] that I coached and worked for me for a lot of years. And the funniest part is he’s got a good team, they just haven’t played together. He’s had three guys that have been out a lot, two guys that are really good players. His best player has only played in three games. So the scouting reports — they are a little different. The kid’s averaging 17 a game since he’s come back, and we don’t have a lot on him. Here’s a team that lost a 20-point lead and lost the last game that was a killer. But it’s also a team that was 10-up on Dayton; we thought Dayton was one of the best teams in Maui. So, they got a couple of guys that can really fill it up, they got size, they got big size, and I’d say DJ knows our system pretty good.”

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Michigan closes out the nonconference portion of its schedule with a chance to do something it hasn’t done the past few years: Avoid a bad loss to end the year.

Michigan hosts Western Kentucky on Sunday (8 p.m. ET, BTN). The Wolverines are 9-3 overall, with each defeat coming by one possession against a high-major opponent. They’ve had no problems in the other games.

That wasn’t the case in recent seasons. Michigan lost to McNeese State in its final game of 2023 and to Central Michigan in the last game of 2022. Michigan fell to a middling UCF team, albeit on the road, to close out 2021.

Three times over the last two seasons, the Wolverines essentially paid an opponent to come to Crisler Center and beat them (McNeese, Central Michigan, and Long Beach State). The Hilltoppers will collect $85,000 for their appearance on Sunday. Michigan will try to make sure that’s all they leave with.

Michigan last played on Sunday, using hot shooting to demolish Purdue Fort Wayne 89-58. Michigan shot 63 percent from the field and made 10 3s. For the fourth time this season, at least five Wolverines reached double figures. Tre Donaldson led the way with 16 points.

Michigan coach Dusty May said he is “relatively happy” with his team’s record to date, despite the tough losses. Teams that are playing their best in December typically aren’t still playing in late March. May is seeking — and seeing — steady improvement.

The Wolverines fell out of the AP Top-25 this week but entered Saturday at No. 24 in the NET and No. 22 in the kenpom rankings. When they resume Big Ten play next week in Los Angeles, they’ll do so as the betting favorite to win the league.

That won’t change so long as they don’t overlook Western Kentucky, which will make the trip from Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers (119 in the NET, 110 at kenpom) are also 9-3, though they have just one top-100 win (Lipscomb at home). They play a fast, isolation-heavy offense. As a 15 seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament, they led Marquette by seven at halftime before losing. It earned Steve Lutz, who’d been there just one season, the job at Oklahoma State (replacing Mike Boynton Jr., now a Michigan assistant). Hank Plona, Lutz’s top assistant and a former junior college head coach, took over. Western Kentucky was picked second in the Conference USA preseason poll.

Don McHenry, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard, is averaging 18.5 points per game. He’s scored at least 28, while making four 3s, in each of the past three games. The most recent performance was last Saturday, so both teams may have to shake off some holiday rust.

That’s been an issue for Michigan in recent years, a pre-New Year’s sign of the struggles to come. This squad, in May’s first year on the job, looks different. Before the Wolverines enter the big, bad Big Ten for good, they’ll look to handle business and end 2024 strong.

• BETTING: Check out our guide to the best Michigan sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.

The new year is nearly upon us, and if you’re looking for dining options to ring in 2025, Michigan will offer plenty of choices.

Most restaurant chains will remain open for the New Year’s holiday, including some 24/7 dining options.

Here’s what to know.

When is New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. New Year’s Day is Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

More: Michigan embraces frigid season with winter festivals. Here’s where to chill with friends

Will Applebee’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, but Applebee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Biggby be open on New Year’s?

Some Biggby locations will be open on New Year’s. Check online for your nearest Michigan Biggby.

Will Big Boy be open on New Year’s?

Some Big Boy locations will be open for New Year’s. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Bob Evans be open on New Year’s?

Bob Evans restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Buffalo Wild Wings be open on New Year’s?

Many Buffalo Wild Wings will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Hours will vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan Buffalo Wild Wings.

Will Burger King be open on New Year’s?

Burger King’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Carrabba’s be open on New Year’s?

Carrabba’s locations’ New Year’s hours may vary. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Chick-fil-A be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chick-fil-A locations will be open on New Year’s, according to the company. Hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan location.

Will Chili’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chili’s restaurants are open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for your nearest Michigan Chili’s.

Will Cracker Barrel be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Cracker Barrel locations are open on New Year’s. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan location.

Will Denny’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Denny’s restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 24/7.

Will Domino’s be open on New Year’s?

Domino’s Pizza locations’ hours may vary on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Check online for your nearest Michigan Domino’s.

Will Dunkin’ be open on New Year’s?

Dunkin’ outlets’ hours may vary by location on New Year’s, so check the Dunkin’ store locator or the Dunkin’ Rewards app for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Hungry Howie’s be open on New Year’s?

Hungry Howie’s restaurants New Year’s hours may vary by location. Visit the Hungry Howie’s website to check with your nearest Michigan location.

Will IHOP be open on New Year’s?

IHOP hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

Will Jet’s be open on New Year’s?

Jet’s Pizza’s hours may vary by location. Check the Jet’s website for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Jimmy John’s be open on New Year’s?

Jimmy John’s hours may vary by location. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Leo’s Coney Island be open on New Year’s?

Leo’s Coney Island’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

Will Little Caesars be open on New Year’s?

Most Little Caesars locations will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan Little Caesars for specific hours.

Will McDonald’s be open on New Year’s?

Most McDonald’s sites will be open on New Year’s, the hours may vary by location, the company said. You can check the store locator for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Olga’s Kitchen be open on New Year’s?

Olga’s Kitchen restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Olive Garden be open on New Year’s?

Olive Garden’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for hours.

Will Panda Express be open on New Year’s?

Panda Express’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Panera be open on New Year’s?

Panera Bread’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan cafe.

Will Papa Johns be open on New Year’s?

Papa Johns Pizza’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Papa Johns.

Will Pizza Hut be open on New Year’s?

Most Pizza Hut locations will be open for regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. You can check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Pizza Hut.

Will QDOBA be open on New Year’s?

QDOBA restaurants will be open for normal store hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for specific hours.

Will Red Lobster be open on New Year’s?

Red Lobster restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Red Robin be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Red Robin burger restaurants will be open on New Year’s. You can visit the Red Robin website to check hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Starbucks be open on New Year’s?

Starbucks Coffee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check the Starbucks store locator or Starbucks app to check hours for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Subway be open on New Year’s?

Subway restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Taco Bell be open on New Year’s?

Taco Bell locations are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Texas Roadhouse be open on New Year’s?

Texas Roadhouse locations will be open on New Year’s, the company said. Locations will be open for normal hours or expanded hours, varying by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Tim Hortons be open on New Year’s?

Tim Hortons locations’ New Year’s hours will vary by location, the company said. Check online for your nearest Michigan Tim Hortons.

More: This Michigan location is tops in the nation for enjoying the snow. Here’s where to visit

Will Wendy’s be open on New Year’s?

Many Wendy’s locations will be open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Wendy’s.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.