Still, there was much to reflect on.

"Just so proud of the guys. We didn’t give up when it mattered," redshirt freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr. said. "We fought until the end. Can’t ask for a better group to share. Nobody expected us to do nothing."

The Spartans weren’t ranked at the start of the season. No one from the team made the All-Big Ten first or second teams. Yet, they won the Big Ten by three games and made it to the program’s 11th Elite Eight under head coach Tom Izzo.

While they didn’t rely on size or star power, their connection, toughness and composure carried them further than many expected.

"Nobody had us picked this far. Embrace it," junior guard Tre Holloman said. "This doesn’t let us define us."

For their Hall of Fame head coach, that daily effort and unity were all he could ask for.

"When I say this team gave me every single thing they had, I mean every single thing," Izzo said. 

Izzo often noted this wasn’t his most talented team, but it was one that trusted each other — and him. A team that consistently dug itself out of holes and grew stronger with each passing month.

A team that played and fought until the very end.

After the loss, there were few regrets. There was no need for them. For a team that squeezed every ounce from the season, there was a sense of gratitude for the journey, the people and the fight.

'It’s going to sting'

Senior guard Jaden Akins has been with MSU for four years, making his deepest tournament run this season. He was a part of two teams that couldn’t make it out of the first weekend and a squad that lost in the Sweet 16. He’d become a natural leader, an enforcer, a lockdown defender and a reliable scorer. 

Against Auburn, he scored only two points until the final five minutes, finishing with 15 points on 6-for-17 shooting, including 3-for-10 from three, along with three rebounds and an assist. With his time at MSU over, it was clear in the locker room that he understood the weight of this loss.

"It’s going to sting for a while," Akins said. "I just got to deal with it."

This team lived by the mottos "Strength in numbers" and "Be different" — a squad that, while not as talented as previous MSU teams with deep tournament runs, was arguably more connected. The Spartans embraced their 10-man roster, and that unity was key to their success.

"It held us together the whole year. It helped us get to where we went," junior center Carson Cooper said.

This team’s run is over, and Izzo is uncertain about what the future holds. He doesn’t know who will stay or leave or if the camaraderie will carry over. As Izzo puts it, "winning carries a lot of evils." While his system focuses on four-year players, like Akins, anything is possible. It’s unclear whether Jase Richardson will return or test the NBA waters, or if the non-seniors will use this loss as motivation for another Elite Eight run next year.

Regardless of what the future holds, Izzo expressed immense pride in the team.

"They could all leave tomorrow and I’ll feel proud of what they’ve accomplished and proud of who they are," Izzo said. "I’m walking away proud and appreciative."

Each player on the roster played for the name on the front and back of their jersey. They were selfless and united. Throughout the season, Izzo emphasized the importance of the Upper Peninsula, Spain and California trips to the team’s success.

"​​Everybody pulled through for one another," junior guard Tre Holloman said. "It’s a family bond between us."

The Spartans brought a fresh culture to the program, often compared to the 2015 and 2019 MSU squads. Through 37 games, this team embraced its uniqueness and made it their strength.