Tom Izzo and Michigan State are not fans of comebacks.

Izzo and his team dislike comebacks even more when they can’t complete them. Michigan State fell just short of mounting a comeback against Arizona on Thursday night. The Spartans came back from a double-digit deficit in the second half and were within striking distance at the end. Ultimately, the Wildcats pulled away at the end and handed Michigan State its third loss.

But Izzo and his team know that their comeback effort falling short isn’t the reason Michigan State lost. They know that you have to play a complete game in order to win, especially against a team as good as Arizona.

“The game was lost in the first 10 minutes of the game,” Izzo said after the game. “I ain’t real big on comebacks. Comebacks are for losers, because that means you’re always coming back.”

Having to mount comebacks has become a theme Michigan State knows all too well this early in the season. The Spartans know coming out slow is something they need to fix.

“I really don’t got no words for it. I’ve got to stop starting the game like that,” guard Jaden Akins said. “We’re six games in. Something’s got to click. We can’t be starting games like that.”

Michigan State has the chance to get back on track after the loss next week against Georgia Southern.