Photo: Amber Searls ~ Imagn Images
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State’s season came to an end Friday night in Washington, D.C., as the Spartans fell 67–63 to UConn in the Sweet 16 at Capital One Arena. The loss capped a postseason run defined by toughness and late-game resilience, even as an early deficit proved too much to overcome. “It’s a bittersweet moment for sure,” senior center Carson Cooper said afterward. “Looking back on all the relationships I made, all the games, the off-the-court stuff, it’s worth it. I’m just glad I was able to experience it.”
The Spartans dug themselves into an early hole, missing 13 consecutive shots in the first half and falling behind by as many as 19 points. UConn capitalized with efficient ball movement and timely perimeter shooting, taking a 35–27 lead into halftime. Cooper acknowledged Michigan State’s struggles offensively. “We didn’t make a lot of shots. We weren’t really executing well,” he said. “I didn’t play great in the first half, and that’s crucial to where we wanted to be.”
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(CONTINUED) Michigan State responded after the break with renewed energy, tightening defensively and methodically chipping away at the deficit. The Spartans briefly took the lead midway through the second half, a familiar script for a team that repeatedly clawed back from adversity throughout the season. “We just kept fighting,” Cooper said. “All year, we’ve been down in games where there’s no way we should come back, and we kept grinding. To come down from 19 and take the lead a couple times, kudos to these guys.” Still, Cooper admitted the early hole loomed large. “That bad start took it out of us.”
After the game, head coach Tom Izzo’s locker-room message centered on gratitude and continuity, particularly for the seniors who spent four years together in the program. “He was just thanking us,” Cooper said. “It’s rare nowadays to have a core like this.” Reflecting on his career, the Jackson, Michigan, native emphasized the group’s bond. “There’s been no BS since I’ve been here,” Cooper said. “Four years of loving what I’m doing every day, loving the guys I’m doing it with. Everybody played for one another.” As Michigan State turns its focus forward, Cooper believes the foundation remains intact. “The future is bright,” he said. “They’ve got a good core, and all they want to do is learn and get better.”
