Michigan State's loss to UCLA in the opening round of the NCAA tournament was this odd blend of the Spartans' championship pedigree and Tom Izzo's tournament coaching brilliance, with an utterly disappointing season when MSU just simply didn't come through.
The late-game comeback was nearly epic and a reminder of how good the Spartans can be, and why Izzo has done so well in The Big Dance.
But, oh, by the way, the Spartans lost.
Like the remainder of a disastrous season by MSU's standards, it was "what-could-have-been" rather than "magic-took-place."
Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers will be gone, having left behind a legacy of far more success than disappointment overall. The last season will be difficult to forget, though.
Izzo has talent to work with next season - Draymond Green, Keith Appling and a very strong recruiting class that includes forward Branden Dawson, a 5-star recruit.
Yet, his greatest challenge will be imposing his will and toughness onto the Spartans. It didn't happen this season. However, the way the Spartans rallied against UCLA may provide a spark to light a fire under the program again.