Tom Izzo: "I'm not gonna hang my head because I don't believe it was a 16-point loss"

Michigan State seemed like they were going to do something special. In the first half, it looked like this team was going to give North Carolina a run for their money and possibly knock them out of the NCAA Tournament.

However, there seemed to be some sort of change on the court and the Spartans suddenly lost the lead and had to play from behind. They brought it close again, within just two in the second half, but the Tar Heels were just too much for the Spartans to handle. Michigan State's season officially ends with a 85-69 loss to UNC.

"I feel bad, we played so well the first 12 minutes, and then I don't know the ball just stuck and we didn't move it as well, give them credit we played a good team," head coach Tom Izzo said in the post-game press conference.

The final score of this game definitely did not show how close of a game this one was. Even when North Carolina had a lead of seven or eight, it always felt like it wasn't save. It felt like everyone was watching for the Spartans to make their move and they did, but ultimately the Tar Heels had better moves.

While this season did not seem to be a success, this team fought and looked like one that could make a deep run, but they went up against a team that was determined. Izzo however did take responsibility for his team not being up to standards.

"Listen, I'm not making bones about it, we underachieved and that falls on me," Izzo said. "I think all in all what's saddest for me is these two, three weeks have been the most fun when things should have been the biggest grind."

It is always tough to lose a game when you feel like your team is finally playing the way they should and everything feels good. Izzo has had his fair share of losses in the NCAA Tournament, but he has also had a lot of big wins, and sometimes perspective on a game is all you need.

"I'm not going to hang my head because I don't believe it was a 16-point loss," Izzo said.

This game was tough and in the end, it got away from the Spartans. Now it is time to head into the offseason and get ready for next year.