Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has lost plenty of heartbreaking games in his storied career, but the loss to Kansas State in overtime Thursday has to rank somewhere on the list.
The veteran coach shared his thoughts after the 98-93 loss with TBS Sports’ Allie LaForce, getting in a not-so-subtle dig at Kansas State in the process.
“I’m so proud of these guys for a lot of reasons,” Izzo said. “Give (Kansas State) credit. They banged in two shot-clock 3s, and they made some big plays, but some of those plays weren’t big plays, they were lucky plays.”
“Mr. March” calls Kansas State performance “lucky”
Sad. pic.twitter.com/yNGczqxJcY
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 24, 2023
While Izzo was obviously still emotional after the loss, and he did give the Wildcats some credit, saying “lucky plays” helped your opponent win is often seen as a sign of disrespect.
Basketball fans rushed to comment on Izzo’s “lucky” description.
Tom Izzo postgame on TBS: "Give [Kansas State] credit. They banked in two shot clock 3s. They made some big plays, but some of those big plays weren't big plays, they were lucky plays."
The grapes are sour!
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) March 24, 2023
Bad look for Izzo. 1 or 2 plays don’t define a game. You got beat bud 🤷🏻♂️
— Greg Butler (@coachb31ww) March 24, 2023
Is he wrong…? Some luck definitely went KSU’s way.
They got a lot of fortunate bounces. The game went to OT. Obviously had a pretty sizable impact.
— Blair Montgomery (@MontyParlay) March 24, 2023
He’s 100% right. They made at least 3 three pointers that had to have been <5% of making
— Aaron T (@aaron10harmsel) March 24, 2023
Tripping on one ankle, chucking towards the basket, and banking it in is luck and nothing else.
— Aaron T (@aaron10harmsel) March 24, 2023
Wow, bringing that backhanded compliment from the left shoulder
— The ORIGINAL Russ Wilson (@RussWilson333) March 24, 2023
“Some of their big plays weren’t big plays, they were lucky plays” -Tom Izzo in a game in which his team gave up 100 points.
— BIG TEN REX (@HoopsRex) March 24, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.