As the final buzzer sounded and Cassius Winston’s half-court heave clanked off the backboard and into a sea of celebrating Syracuse players, Tom Izzo realized he missed an opportunity.
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This was supposed to be the year the Spartans contended for a national title and arguably his best shot at No. 2 since 2014 or even since 2009. His most talented team in recent memory fell flat in a second-round game for the second straight season, this time losing to an average Syracuse squad.