Michigan State’s Lucas will miss rest of season

DETROIT (AP) — Michigan State star Kalin Lucas will miss the rest of the NCAA tournament after an MRI has confirmed he ruptured his left Achilles’ tendon.

In Lucas’ place on Sunday, Korie Lucious made a 3-pointer at the buzzer to put the Spartans into the round of 16 with an 85-83 win over fourth-seeded Maryland.

Lucas was hurt late in the first half of that game when he landed awkwardly after a shot. He is a two-time All-Big Ten player and leads the Spartans in points and assists.

He will be sidelined for 4 to 6 months.

“We feel terrible for Kalin, he was having a great NCAA tournament,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo said in a statement. “The good news is there is no doubt he will make a full and complete recovery. He’s a tough kid and he’ll do everything necessary to return to his elite level.”

Earlier in the day, Izzo told The Associated Press Lucas would not play Friday against Northern Iowa even if the tests showed he had just a sprained ankle.

Lucious will start, walk-on Mike Kebler has to play more and versatile forward Draymond Green becomes even more valuable with the ball in his hands.

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