Michigan State Basketball Team: A Recap of Recent Losses
Michigan State University is a well-known and highly acclaimed school that has a great basketball team. The Spartans, as they are affectionately known, have been successful in recent years, appearing in the Elite Eight in 2018 and the Final Four in 2019.
The 2020-21 Season
The 2020-21 season was not as successful as the past two seasons, as the Spartans finished the regular season with a 16-14 record and failed to make the NCAA tournament. Despite the disappointing regular season, the Spartans still had an impressive run in the Big Ten tournament, upsetting No. 7 Ohio State and making it to the semifinals.
Recent Losses
The Spartans ultimately lost in the semifinals to Illinois, and then lost in the NIT quarterfinals to Texas Southern. Those were the two most recent losses for the Spartans.
Notable Losses of the Season
In addition to their two most recent losses, the Spartans had some other notable losses during the season. Here is a list of the most notable losses of the season:
- Michigan: The Spartans lost to the Wolverines in the regular season finale, ending their hopes of making the NCAA Tournament.
- Ohio State: The Spartans lost to the Buckeyes twice during the season, once in the regular season and once in the Big Ten tournament.
- Iowa: The Spartans lost to the Hawkeyes twice during the regular season.
- Wisconsin: The Spartans lost to the Badgers in the regular season.
- Purdue: The Spartans lost to the Boilermakers in the regular season.
Significant Losses of the Season
In addition to the notable losses, the Spartans had some significant losses of the season. These losses were especially impactful as they cost the Spartans a chance at making the NCAA tournament.
- Illinois: The Spartans lost to the Fighting Illini in the Big Ten tournament semifinals. The loss kept the Spartans from making the NCAA tournament.
- Texas Southern: The Spartans lost to the Tigers in the NIT quarterfinals, ending their season.
What Could Have Been Different?
The Spartans had a tough season, and had some unfortunate losses that cost them a chance at making the NCAA tournament. Had the Spartans been able to win just a few of those losses, they could have had a much different season.
- Michigan: If the Spartans had been able to pull out a win against the Wolverines in the regular season finale, they would have had a much better chance of making the NCAA tournament.
- Ohio State: The Spartans lost both games against the Buckeyes, but if they had been able to pull out a win in either game, they would have been in a much better position.
- Illinois: If the Spartans had been able to beat Illinois in the Big Ten tournament semifinals, they would have had a good chance of making the NCAA tournament.
What Can They Learn From These Losses?
The Spartans had a tough season, and there are some lessons to be learned from these losses.
- The importance of mental toughness: The Spartans had some tough losses this season, and it’s clear that they need to have more mental toughness in order to be successful.
- The importance of team chemistry: The Spartans had a lot of individual talent, but it didn’t always translate to success on the court. The Spartans need to build better team chemistry in order to be successful.
- The importance of execution: The Spartans had some close losses this season, and it’s clear that they need to execute better in order to be successful.
Looking Ahead to 2021-22
The Spartans had a tough season, but they are looking ahead to the 2021-22 season with optimism. They have some talented players returning, and they are hoping to build on the success of the past two seasons.
Conclusion
Michigan State Basketball team had a tough season in 2020-21 and had some disappointing losses, but they still have a lot to be proud of. The Spartans have a talented roster, and they are looking ahead to the 2021-22 season with optimism. They have some lessons to learn from their losses, but they are hoping to build on the success of the past two seasons.
Sources
- msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/mich-m-baskbl-body.html
- espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/schedule/_/id/216
- mlive.com/spartans/2021/03/michigan-state-basketball-what-could-have-been-different-in-2020-21.html