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This story is from March 31, 2025

Magic Johnson praises Michigan State Spartans despite their NCAA tournament exit against Auburn Tigers

Magic Johnson praises Michigan State Spartans despite their NCAA tournament exit against Auburn Tigers
(Image Source - Getty Images)
March Madness is notorious for its heart-wrenching moments, and Michigan State certainly felt that sting. They began with a solid lead, but it soon turned into a tough struggle, and despite their best efforts, they came up just short. Yet for Magic Johnson, this season represented something bigger than just one match.

Spartans narrow 23-8 deficit to 33-24 by halftime but fall short in the second half

The game between Michigan State and Auburn was a perfect example of how unpredictable March Madness can be. The Spartans jumped out to an early 8-6 advantage, but the Tigers quickly took control with a stunning 17-0 run, pushing Michigan State down to 23-8. Despite this rough patch, the Spartans fought back, trimming the score to 33-24 by halftime. They kept pushing in the second half, closing the gap to just five points at 35-30, but ultimately fell short against Auburn's strong performance.Johni Broome's exceptional performance was a key factor in Auburn's victory. The Associated Press SEC Player of the Year racked up 25 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. There was a moment of worry when he fell on his right arm while attempting to block a shot, which forced him to leave the game temporarily.
But he bounced back with just over five minutes to go, hitting a three-pointer immediately and continuing to shine on the court.
Magic Johnson has been a dedicated supporter of the Spartans throughout the season. Earlier, he commended Coach Izzo for achieving his 354th Big Ten victory, which surpassed Bob Knight's record, highlighting his respect for the coach's commitment and success. While we don't have specific remarks from Johnson about the Elite Eight defeat, his ongoing support and pride in the team's performance are unmistakable.
After Michigan State's 70-64 defeat against Auburn in the Elite Eight, Magic Johnson took to X to show his support for the team and Coach Tom Izzo."I want to thank MSU Coach Izzo and especially all of the players for an exciting and entertaining season! It’s disappointing the tournament run has come to an end with this loss to a strong Auburn team, but this season is one that all Spartans fans should be proud of. I can't wait till next season!"Also Read: “My Character Was Under Attack” — Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green on His Lowest PointLooking back on the season, Coach Tom Izzo couldn't help but feel proud of his team's achievements and togetherness. He mentioned the heartfelt atmosphere in the locker room, noting the deep connections and camaraderie that flourished among the players.

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