Michigan State fell behind in the first few minutes and seemed out of sync for much of the game.

However, trailing by more than 20 with less than 10 minutes to play, something finally clicked for the Spartans.

Michigan State mounted a furious comeback, but Kalin Lucas traveled with less than a second to play to end their hopes of advancing to the next round.

It was a tough way for Lucas to watch his college career come to an end, but the finish was fitting for the Spartans given their inconsistent play all season long.

The Spartans seemed like they were getting things together as per usual this time of the year and set for a showdown in the Big Ten championship game.

The game was tied at halftime, but the second half was all Nittany Lions. Once again, Michigan State’s offensive struggles were front and center.

Michigan State shot just 32 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range. They were also only 50 percent at the foul line.

The Spartans are still likely bound for the NCAA tournament, but there’s no telling exactly which team will show up.

Point guard Kalin Lucas lead the Spartans with 23 points, but he had just one assist. That’s an alarmingly low number from your point guard.

It was a shocking rout in front of a soldout crowd at the Breslin Center. The fans really deserved better.

It seemed like right as Michigan State may have been starting to turn the corner, they put together a horrible performance.

The Spartans are still expected to make the NCAA tournament, but more performances like this might be pushing their luck.

Point guard Kalin Lucas lead the Spartans with 14 points and three assists but is still not playing up to expectations.

In fact, nobody is playing up to expectations on a Michigan State team that was supposed to be among the favorites to win the national championship.

Head coach Tom Izzo must be beyond exasperated at this point, but the team has had its share of distractions.

Finding a way to knock off Ohio State would have been a step in the right direction in terms of an NCAA tournament berth.

Head coach Tom Izzo nor Lucious would give a reason for his dismissal, but it will certainly hurt the team.

However, Lucious was quick to say that he really messed up and let his team, coaches and the fans down.

It must have been something pretty serious or an ongoing issue for Izzo to dismiss him from the team for almost half of the season.

Lucious certainly made big contributions to the problem, with the biggest coming on a game-winning shot against Maryland in last year’s NCAA tournament.

The Spartans were dominated on both sides of the ball from the outset, falling behind 28-0 by halftime.

They allowed 275 yards and six touchdowns on the ground alone, and almost 500 yards of total offense.

Michigan State only had one turnover, but they also finished with well under 200 yards of total offense.

The Spartans can’t afford to let one ugly loss overshadow what was an unbelievably successful season.

Izzo employed a man at his basketball camp who had strong ties to a player he was recruiting.

It’s considered a secondary infraction, one that normally wouldn’t cause a huge stir, but the NCAA wants to crack down on all violations now.

Izzo said he misinterpreted the rules, which is why he allowed the man to work at his camp.

It’s probably smart of the NCAA to make an example out of Izzo, who is highly regarded and one of the country’s most high profile coaches.

The win over the Nittany Lions gives the Spartans a share of the Big 10 title, but it’s unlikely they receive the BCS berth.

The Spartans jumped out to a commanding 21-3 lead by the end of the third quarter but then had to hold on for the win.

Running back Edwin Baker lead the Spartans with 118 yards rushing and scored their first touchdown of the day.

Wide receiver B.J. Cunningham only finished with three catches, but he made them count. Two of the three catches went for touchdowns.

Izzo told his Michigan State players that he’s still undecided. On Thursday, he flew to Cleveland to meet with the Cavs, a meeting that lasted several hours. It was reported that the meeting was more like a recruiting visit for him and his family than anything else. Izzo has been tempted by NBA offers in the past but dismissed them relatively quickly, another sign that he’s taking this offer far more seriously.

Izzo had said in the past that he wouldn’t consider leaving East Lansing until he won another national championship. The team he’s returning this coming season looks to give him his best opportunity. The Spartans are sure to be ranked in the top five in the preseason, returning Big 10 player of the year Kailin Lucas along with Draymond Green and other significant contributors.

But a contract offer from the Cavs that will pay him $3 million more per year than he makes at Michigan State is enough to give the offer some serious thought. And with a long history of college coaches leaving for the NBA to get paid, only to return to college after it didn’t work out, Izzo could surely do the same and ensure his and his family’s financial well-being.