Michigan State’s NCAA Tournament resume took a hit with a 1-point loss to Indiana in Sunday’s regular-season finale.

The Spartans fell 65-64 to Indiana on Sunday. MSU outscored IU in the 2nd half 35-31, and led for 9:50 of game time. Michigan State was up 57-56 with 6:51 to go, but would not lead again.

MSU’s Tyson Walker led all scorers with 30 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range, and 4 free throws. Unfortunately, Michigan State might have won if Walker had finished with 32 points. Walker missed a floater at the end.

Jaden Akins and A.J. Hoggard chipped in 10 points each, to make 3 Spartans responsible for 50 points. The rest of the team accounted for just 14 points.

Indiana’s Kel’el Ware led the way for the Hoosiers with a double-double of 28 points and 12 rebounds. IU was the better shooting from the field (47%-38%) and from beyond the arc (35%-32%).

Neither team made many trips to the foul line. The Spartans were unable to take advantage of Indiana going just 5-of-12 on free throws. MSU was 6-of-7 at the line.

Indiana was the better rebounding team, winning the battle of the boards 39-33. The Hoosiers dominated scoring in the paint, 40-22.

Bubble watch for Michigan State?

Does Michigan State belong on the NCAA Tournament bubble? On social media, it depends on who you ask.

The win over Northwestern seemingly eased those concerns, but things are uncertain again with the Indiana loss.

According to Bracket Matrix, Tom Izzo’s team entered the day averaging a No. 9 seed projection. That was with a NET ranking of No. 23, which will change with the IU loss.

Indiana was ranked No. 97 before the game. For MSU, that’s a Quad 2 loss.

Entering the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan State’s NCAA resume will be 18-13 overall, with a 10-10 regular-season mark in B1G play. By current NET rankings, here’s how the Spartans look when facing various levels of competition: 4-8 Quad 1, 5-5 Quad 2, 5-0 Quad 3 and 4-0 Quad 4.

It’s not hard to figure out what Izzo’s message will be for the Spartans. MSU can put any Big Dance concerns to rest with a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament.

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