ethan hunter
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – It was a dream start for the Spartans.
Michigan State took a 26-14 lead with just over eight minutes left and scored easily. Senior Mady Sissoko owned the paint, and the Spartans were smothering the Tar Heels on defense, positioning them to upset a No. 1 seed en route to back-to-back Sweet Sixteens.
But, symbolic of the problems that have plagued MSU all season, inconsistency and lack of execution led to a 20-3 run at North Carolina, sending fans clad in powder blue and into a frenzy. It took away all the momentum Michigan State had. had built in the first 12 minutes. A nine-point halftime deficit for Michigan State felt monstrous after an impressive start.
Five minutes into the second half, the fierce and imposing Spartan team that had been on display for the first 12 minutes of the game returned, leading them to a two-point deficit just over four minutes into the second half.
Much to the dismay, the Spartans who split again and again this season showed up in the shortest time possible, as the Tar Heels pulled away in the final 10 minutes of the game, continuing their dominance and stampeding toward their next opponent.
As was predictable for Michigan State, from the surprising opening-game loss to James Madison to the blowout at Baylor to the unexpected home loss to Ohio State late in the season, the inconsistencies outweighed the solidity.
After the rollercoaster round of 32 game, the Spartan season ends with North Carolina defeating MSU, 85-69.
“One thing I'll say about these guys all year: They could have thrown in the towel a lot of times with what we went through,” head coach Tom Izzo said. “But we just didn't come up with big plays and [North Carolina] did. I'm proud of the fact that we could have given up. “These guys have been through a lot.”
For older people, leaving the show after a season that didn't live up to expectations is difficult. But remembering the good times will outweigh the bad.
“As a young freshman or sophomore, you see the players after the game and you understand the sadness,” graduate Steven Izzo said. “I feel like yeah, this loss is going to affect me a lot; it's a shame I'm not wearing the jersey, but you know I'm going to try to be around these guys as much as possible.”
And for a player like Malik Hall, who has endured the full extent of criticism and praise, he leaves grateful for the time spent.
“Above all I'm thinking about my career being over. [at MSU]”said graduate Malik Hall. “I'm not really thinking about that loss. I mean, yeah, it's cool. It didn't turn out the way we wanted, but I have very good memories here. I have very good memories of this program. It's an opportunity that not many people take advantage of. There are probably millions of kids who wish they were in my shoes and in this situation. “I'm just grateful that the Spartan nation gave me a chance and showed me as much love as they did while I was here.”
In the loss, graduates Tyson Walker and Hall scored 24 and 17 points, respectively.
For seniors Mady Sissoko and AJ Hoggard, the decisions still linger. Both players still have the option to return and play a fifth year of college basketball.
Another season of Michigan State basketball has come and gone, and some players must leave a program that has been a blessing for a multitude of seasons. For others, the opportunity to return and participate in an NCAA tournament is still up for grabs.
Michigan State finishes the 2023-24 season 20-15, with 12 players eligible to return to the program for the 2024-25 season.