The Spartans came at UConn in the same way the emotion flowed from the city and the stands: in waves. A Michigan State team that prides itself on an everyman ethos had points from nearly every man, with 10 players scoring. Kalin Lucas led Michigan State with 21 points, and Raymar Morgan snapped out of a slump to score 18. But the most important number came from Michigan State’s bench, which outscored Connecticut’s, 33-7.

Image In the signature moment of Michigan States victory over Connecticut, Durrell Summers dunked over Stanley Robinson to give the Spartans a 10-point lead with 5:50 left. Credit... Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Spartans ground down the taller and more talented Huskies with a relentless transition game. As Connecticut clanged free throws (21 of 33) and stood flatfooted while Michigan State stormed on fast break after fast break, it became apparent that the Spartans’ heart and depth was simply overwhelming the Huskies.

“I thought we did wear them down a little bit,” Izzo said. “I thought depth worked on our side.”

From the other sideline, Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun said it was clear that the Spartans were playing for something bigger. Calhoun said he would not be surprised if they won the national title. He said they looked like a different team from the one he had studied on tape.

“They have a cause,” Calhoun said. “And anytime you have a cause, it’s a great, great thing to rally around.”

Connecticut (31-5) enters an off-season of uncertainty. The N.C.A.A. is looking into a report that a former team manager used illegal inducements to recruit two players after becoming an agent. Although there was speculation that Calhoun would retire if Connecticut won the national title, he said he would use his usual formula to determine whether to return next season. He will wait, he said, until the emotions of the loss lessen and decide later in the spring.

“I love coaching,” he said. “I love being with kids. I like the competition.”

The moment that epitomized Michigan State’s dominance came with a little less than six minutes remaining.

Michigan State guard Durrell Summers streaked down the floor on a fast break and hammered a dunk over Connecticut’s Stanley Robinson. The capacity crowd went wild, the game’s signature play boosting the Spartans’ lead to 10 points and seemingly demoralizing the Huskies.