NEW YORK — Michigan State found itself in a familiar position Saturday afternoon, and unfortunately for the Spartans, the end result was once again laced with disappointment and frustration.
Often over the last few weeks, Michigan State has been in position to win multiple games, only to falter down the stretch and end up with a loss. There was a nine-point lead that disappeared at Illinois in the second half, a four-point lead in the final minutes against Purdue and in the second half at Indiana, the Spartans rallied to take a lead midway through the second half after wasting a fast start and trailing at halftime.
Michigan State lost all three of those games, and as it entered the final nine minutes against Rutgers at Madison Square Garden, an eight-point lead had evaporated. Still, the Spartans were in front, leading 40-39 with 6:59 to play.
