Tom Izzo shows softer side after Michigan State's Final Four loss to Texas Tech

MINNEAPOLIS — Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, who infamously berated one of his players during the first round of the NCAA tournament, handled another one quite differently at the end of a defeat on Saturday.

Only 19 seconds remained in Michigan State’s 61-51 loss to Texas Tech at the Final Four when senior Matt McQuaid headed off the court for the final time of his career. Izzo waited.

And McQuaid recounted the moment after the game.

“He just hugged me and just said, ‘I'm sorry,’ and I told him, ‘I'm sorry,’ and we just hugged,’’ said McQuad, who had 12 points. “I got a special relationship with coach.”

Izzo’s temperament drew national attention during his team’s first-round victory over Bradley when during a timeout Izzo berated freshman Aaron Henry and had to be restrained. The video of Izzo’s rant went viral and triggered controversy about his sometimes-aggressive coaching style.

On Friday, McQuaid said, “You know, you can see that 10-second snippet and they don’t see the relationships he builds with us.’’

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On Saturday, McQuaid was talking about Izzo’s softer side, evidenced by the hug.

“I got a special relationship with coach,’’ McQuaid said. “One thing I'm going to miss the most is, when I get done working out during the day, just going up before class or after class, I come work out, and I go up to his office and talk to him for like five minutes. And we just talk about family or what I need to get better at.

“We go over stats or film or something. We just — I love coach, and he's done so much for me and helped me so much. I know he's got my back, and I've got his back for the rest of our life.’’

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Josh Peter on Twitter @joshlpeter11.