3 takeaways from Michigan State basketball's tough loss to No. 3 Purdue

1. Michigan State was the better team

This may seem wild to say, but Michigan State was the better team in Friday's loss. The Spartans lost the game, but it's hard to say that they didn't do everything they could to win: besides hit some open shots.

You hate to blame the refs for a loss or even attribute any struggles to officiating, but it was horredous on Friday. The Big Ten should be ashamed for what we saw from the officials during Friday's game with Lance Jones drawing five (!!) offensive fouls and each one of them was questionable, at best. Oh, and Zach Edey drew over 10 fouls. That's unacceptable.

And you might be saying, well, that's the kind of mismatch Edey is every game and he always draws a ton of fouls, but refs don't know how to call a game with him in the paint. He's constantly initiating contact and getting the calls. It's wild.

But enough of that, Michigan State was the better team and out-toughed, out-played, and honestly out-coached Purdue on Friday afternoon but fell just short.

This should make us all feel good heading into the NCAA Tournament next week.