Michigan State Almost Kills Tom Izzo

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Michigan State Almost Kills Tom Izzo

Michigan State, thanks to some brain farts and bad luck, almost gave coach Tom Izzo a heart attack.

Michigan State survived its Big Ten matchup with Indiana today but, man, did the Spartans try to give coach Tom Izzo a heart attack. Leading 73-71 with two seconds left, Denzel Valentine inexplicably fouled Yogi Ferrell and put Indiana on the line with a chance to tie. Ferrell made the first foul shot, barely, and then missed the second one. Michigan State got the rebound and Indiana fouled with .7 seconds left. A relieved Valentine crouched at half court and apologized to teammates for his brain fart, and Sparty clung to a 73-72 lead.

Marvin Clark, Jr. missed the first foul shot badly, which means at best, Michigan State could go up by two points, and a three-pointer (the only likely shot available with .7 seconds left, anyway) would beat them. Dan Dakich explains the reasoning behind intentionally missing the second shot, and judging by the shot, it looks like that's exactly what Izzo wanted. But! He made it. Izzo again was beside himself, collapsing to the ground after the made basket.

Michigan State (and Izzo) hung on to pull out the win, though. Just barely.

[ESPN]