Tom Izzo, Denzel Valentine and the bittersweet beauty of March Madness

Michigan State lost in of the biggest upsets in March Madness history Friday when 15-seed Middle Tennessee State took down the 2-seed Spartans, 90-81. 

But the beauty of March -- a big part of the reason why this month is so insanely fun -- is that we find poignancy in the most unexpected places. 

This is the mini-story of Tom Izzo, Denzel Valentine, Michigan State and the bittersweet beauty of March Madness.

Valentine is Michigan State's senior star. A do-it-all guard who nearly averaged a triple-double in high school, he turned down NBA money to return for his fourth college season and try to win a national championship under Izzo, the Spartans' legendary coach. That dream ended Friday with the stunning loss to Middle Tennessee State. 

Some are calling Michigan State's loss the biggest upset in tournament history. This is not quite so cut and dried -- 15-seeds have upset 2-seeds before, and Norfolk State beat Missouri in one such matchup in 2012 despite an even bigger pre-game point-spread. So there's room for debate. 

But Michigan State's loss was a massive shock, that's a simple fact. The Spartans were the second-most popular pick to win the entire tournament in Yahoo's online bracket challenge, which includes millions upon millions of submissions. Valentine, the star so many expected to carry Michigan State to the title, had 13 points and 12 assists but shot just 5-13 and committed six turnovers.

He took the loss hard. 

"I didn't come through today, and I'll remember that for the rest of my life." Valentine told reporters post-game. 

Ouch.

Izzo was having none of that, however. Reflecting on what Valentine has meant to his team and program, the coach choked back tears. 

"Thank you. I love you, man," Izzo said. "You did everything you could for me. I mean, he gave ... some people give the program, some people give the team ... he gave the program, the team, the university, the city, he gave us everything we could ask for in every way, shape or form. I may be in it a long time and never have another Denzel. That's what I say to Denzel." 

And there you have it -- a young man taking the biggest loss of his life very hard, and his mentor picking him back up. 

Both Valentine and Izzo had many a crying Michael Jordan meme superimposed onto their faces after the game by the online peanut gallery. Valentine also offered a pseudo-guarantee the Spartans would win the title, only increasing the level of schadenfreude directed Michigan State's way by many after they lost in the first round. 

"If my son could be like them," Izzo said of Valentine and his fellow seniors after the game, "I'd be a happy guy."

Every so often, it's healthy to put our snark and sarcasm aside for a few moments and appreciate something beautiful. Let's do that now. 

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