Spartan Stunner: No. 2 MSU Dropped By No. 15 Middle Tennessee

[Purveyor]

ST. LOUIS – Michigan State had visions of wearing its uniforms six more times before this season was over. It got just one before it had to hang them up for the year. And for Denzel Valentine, Matt Costello, Bryn Forbes and Colby Wollenman, it was the last time they will wear a Michigan State uniform.

The No. 2 seed Spartans dropped in an upset to No. 15 Middle Tennessee, which had the opening punch and a counterpunch every time Michigan State tried to get back into the 90-81 loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

The loss will go down as one of the worst in Michigan State tournament history - likely the worst, as the Spartans became one of a handful of No. 2 seeds to fall to a No. 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament just days after winning the Big Ten Tournament title and knowing it had one of its best chances to win Tom Izzo's second national title.

Valentine had just 13 points in his final game, not scoring in the second half until the final minute. He went out with 12 assists and six rebounds, but a telling six turnovers to his name. Valentine, Forbes and Costello checked out with 5.1 seconds left with long slow walks to the other end of the bench.

Middle Tennessee controlled the game throughout, taking a quick lead and never allowing MSU to overtake it at any point during the game. The game was tied just once, 2-2.

more...

http://michiganstate.247sports.com/Article/Spartan-stunner-No-2-MSU-dropped-by-No-15-Middle-Tennessee-44340327

[joeybee12]

1. Amazing...

Me, and a lot of others thought MSU should be a #1. And I thought Hawaii beating Cal was a big deal.

[Purveyor]

2. This is a huge loss. Many a bracket busted over this one... eom

[joeybee12]

3. Yeah...I think I had them going pretty far, not winning it all though...

I'm afraid to check but I'm pretty sure they were final four on mine.