EAST LANSING — Michigan State freshman Matt Costello had no intention of making the program's greatest player ever look bad, but that's exactly what he did on Tuesday night.

"If I'm Indiana, I'm going right to (Cody) Zeller,'' said Spartans legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who was making a special appearance calling Tuesday night's game on ESPN at Breslin Center.

The Hoosiers did indeed go to Zeller, but Costello leaped up and blocked his shot, fueling an unlikely Michigan State run that gave the No. 4 Spartans' hope before the team ultimately fell to No. 1 Indiana 72-68.

Costello checked in at the 15:27 mark with Michigan State trailing 45-40, pushed into action because of a questionable foul called on Adreian Payne, who had just taken a fist to the face.

When Costello came onto the floor, he was flanked by: Keith Appling, Travis Trice, Denzel Valentine and Alex Gauna.

"Where is Michigan State gonna get their offense from with these guys on the court?'' Magic said.

Everyone in Breslin Center was likely wondering the same thing, including Izzo who substituted Branden Dawson into the game.

Moments later, Gary Harris was on the floor.

Magically, the Spartans rallied: Costello blocked the shot of Indiana point guard Yogi Ferrell, and then Costello leaped and blocked a Victor Oladipo offering.

ESPN flashed a graphic: Costello had two blocked shots his first 61 minutes of Big Ten play, and already, he had three blocks against Indiana.

In fact, Costello's two blocks came in eight minutes against Nebraska last Saturday, which means he has five blocked shots in his last 16 minutes of Big Ten play.

Michigan State was leading the Hoosiers 49-48 with Costello on the floor when another controversial play unfolded.

This time, it was Zeller lowering his shoulder like a fullback and driving into Costello, sending the freshman sprawling as he proceeded to travel and make a basket.

Referee Ted Valentine signaled the foul to be on Costello, and then granted Zeller continuation and a free throw that put the Hoosiers up 51-49.

That was the score when Costello came out with 11:54 left.

By then, Johnson had changed his tune on Costello, saying: "Costello did do a wonderful job of bringing the energy back into the game.''

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo agreed after watching the film of the controversial loss.

"I've been really happy with Costello,'' Izzo said. "He plays with some energy, he plays with some toughness, we haven't been screening well enough, that's been a big point of emphasis today, and Costello is one of our better screeners.

"He's getting his chance and he's making good use of it.''

Costello said his moments in the Indiana game were exciting but considerably dampened by the outcome.

"It was great, we got the team going, we got up by one, we were rolling when I was in there and it felt great at the time,'' Costello said. "It did feel great. But I'm disappointed we didn't finish the game with a win.

"I hope we can pick it up the next time we play Indiana, and going into Ohio State I'd like to do that. But I was really disappointed after that game.''

Michigan State (22-5, 11-3 Big Ten) plays the Buckeyes (19-7, 9-5) at 4 p.m. Sunday in Columbus.

Costello did have one moment against Indiana that he wasn't proud of — when Oladipo threw an inbounds pass to himself, off Costello's back — and scored on a layup.

Costello admits it was an embarrassing moment.

"The progression is, we look to see what he's doing, and then we start focusing on what others are doing,'' Costello said. "I didn't make the first part of the progression and look at Oladipo. When you know you screw up so bad, it's tough.''

Costello also thought the foul he was whistled for on the Zeller charge was tough.

"I watched it on film; he just lowered his shoulder and he tries to go into you. I just tried to move my feet,'' Costello said. "It's not my place to question anything.''

Costello said he has enjoyed getting more meaningful repetitions, but the former Michigan Mr. Basketball from Bay City admits he wants even more.

"I am happy, yes, but I would like to play more if I could — anybody would,'' Costello said. "But I'm finally getting to play the game I love at a high level, so it does feel good. It's been a slow progression I've enjoyed.''

As for his shot blocking prowess, Costello laughed when trying to explain it.

"In high school I screwed up a lot because I went for blocked shots all the time and fouled out a lot, same thing in AAU ball,'' he said with a sheepish grin. "I just haven't been able to showcase that skill. I don't know why, it just kinda happens. Sometimes I block the shots, and sometimes I get a foul.''

And sometimes, Costello proved, he can ignite Michigan State against the best teams in the country.