In a heartfelt post-game conference following Michigan State’s Elite Eight loss to Auburn, forward Jaxon Kohler’s emotional testimony captured the essence of Spartan resilience. Despite falling 70-64 to the Tigers, Kohler, who contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds, emphasized the team’s “never say die” attitude that defined their season.
The Spartans’ tournament run ended against a formidable Auburn squad led by Johni Broome’s dominant 25 points and 14 rebounds. Michigan State’s valiant comeback attempts fell short after facing an early 17-0 run by Auburn, which proved too much to overcome despite holding the Tigers to just 28% from three-point range.
“The Spartan Way” Defines Season’s Journey
“We’re never going to just lay down and give up. That’s not the Spartan way” Kohler declared when asked about the team’s mindset during the final minutes. This philosophy became Michigan State’s identity throughout a season marked by growth and perseverance.
“I love this group of guys more than anything”
Jaxon Kohler spoke on the Spartans attitude while trailing 💚#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/hzuTn43E73
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 31, 2025
Coach Tom Izzo echoed this sentiment, calling it “the most connected year I’ve had” in his 30 years leading the program. After a difficult beginning in California, the team experienced an important turning point through meetings among players and recommitment to their efforts.
From Underdogs to Elite Eight Contenders
Michigan State’s tournament run showcased their transformation from early season question marks to legitimate contenders. “When we went to that trip in California, that’s when we realized we can get beat if we don’t bring our best game” Jackson Kohler reflected on their season’s pivotal moment.
The Spartans’ resilience was particularly evident in their Sweet Sixteen journey, which included overcoming a nine-point deficit against Ole Miss. Freshman Jase Richardson scored 11 points in the Auburn game as Michigan State maintains positive prospects for its upcoming seasons despite the difficult end to this season.
Though the locker room was filled with tears after the Auburn defeat, Izzo’s pride in his team was unmistakable. “There’s some locker rooms where people are bitching and complaining, and then there’s some locker rooms where people are crying and hugging,” he said. “It was a crying and hugging locker room, and that means we had something special.”
The defeat stung particularly hard, given how close the Spartans came to advancing further. “They got a big lead early, but we just kept fighting and fighting. And that’s what’s so special about this group of guys,” Kohler explained, visibly emotional. “No matter how bad it may seem, we never give up, and we never let our minds go down that hole.”
Izzo highlighted the development of his young roster, noting they “more or less started two freshmen” and had freshman guards playing significant minutes. This experience on the national stage will prove invaluable for players like Jaden Akins who admitted the loss would “sting for a while” but provides motivation moving forward.
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The Auburn game exposed some of Michigan State’s season-long challenges, particularly turnovers at critical moments. While they committed just nine turnovers overall, which Izzo called “phenomenal against a team like this,” the timing of those mistakes proved costly during Auburn’s decisive early run.
Despite the disappointment, the season represents a significant achievement for a program that faced questions after their November loss to Kansas. “For the first time in a long time,” Izzo reflected, “they reinvigorated me to realize there’s still people out there that care about winning, care about getting better, and care about playing for the school they’re at.”
As the Spartans look toward next season, the foundation laid during this Elite Eight run built on resilience, connectivity, and unwavering effort provides a blueprint for future success under Izzo’s leadership.
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