A trip to The Final Four was on the line. Tennessee had never been there before for MSU it was old hat they had been there 7 out of the last 12 times and was the only team still alive from last years Final Four. It was a nip tuck game with never more than a six-point lead held by either team. It was a game for the ages in a year of upsets and surprises any thing could happen.
The Volunteers started off strong with a 6-2 lead. They were at one point a perfect four for four from three-point territory. The Spartans ragged back however and tied tit up at 11. The teams traded threes and the battle raged on.
There were spurts of strength at different times. MSU went on 7-1 run at one point followed up shortly thereafter by a 7-0 run by the Volunteers to tie it up at 21. The entire game was close and amazing exciting for all at home and in the crowd.
Included in the crowd was MSU graduate Magic Johnson whom was in one of the most popular ever MSU games in 1979 where he faced of against Larry Bird for the first time. The air was electric and the seemingly mutual crowd cheered its heart out the entire game.
This was my first game ever as a MSU fan. I cheered, screemed and went a little horse in this exciting back and forth game. The winner was to face Butler in Indianapolis and a trip to the Final Four.
Despite holding a two point lead at half time and going on a 11 -2 run at some point in the second half the underdog Volunteers couldn’t muster up a win. Christina B. a long time Volunteers fan said she was proud of her team however because they had never gotten the far before in the finals.
It was a game for the ages and not one I will soon forget. I am personally happy to have watched such an amazing game. This is not one I will soon forget nor should I neither will any of the Spartan fans I know here in PA.
Grade A+
