DETROIT — Kalin Lucas’ Achilles tendon injury has ended his season and possibly Michigan State’s Final Four chances, but coach Tom Izzo said Monday afternoon that indications from the junior point guard’s MRI exam are that the injury isn’t as career-devastating as it could have been.

“Doctors said it’s up a little higher (on the Achilles) and not at the bottom, which some say is better for his long-term future and recovery,” Izzo told the “Shep and Sharp” show on local WDFN-AM (1130).
The MRI exam conducted Monday confirmed that Lucas ruptured the Achilles tendon in his left foot. Recovery time is expected to be 4-6 months.
“We feel terrible for Kalin; he was having a great NCAA Tournament,” MSU coach Tom Izzo said in a released 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.”
“I appreciate all the support I’ve received from everyone, but especially my teammates,” Lucas said in the statement. “At halftime against Maryland, they told me they had my back. And I told them I had theirs.”
Lucas will travel with the team to the Midwest Regional in St. Louis, where Michigan State will play Northern Iowa on Friday night
He tore the tendon when he landed awkwardly after going up for a jump shot late in the second half of Sunday’s game against Maryland.
Lucas’ replacement, Korie Lucious, beat the buzzer with a three-pointer that lifted the fifth-seeded Spartans to an 85-83 win over the fourth-seeded Terrapins.