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Destined 4 Detroit

Izzo keeps Final Four streak alive with 64-52 win over Louisville

By Cash Kruth (Last updated: 03/30/09 12:28am)

Indianapolis — At the conclusion of a practice in late February, Tom Izzo instructed his MSU men’s basketball team to walk up the arena steps from the Breslin Center floor and meet him on the concourse. Once the Spartans were there, the MSU head coach told his team to look outside, where the February sun had not yet faded at the 5 o’clock hour.

“He wants us to play a month from now, deep in March when not a lot of other teams are playing. When it will be sunnier out,” senior center Goran Suton then explained of Izzo’s message.

Last week, the Spartans had a team dinner on the concourse in the sunlight before they left for Indianapolis.

It might not have had the same gusto as smashing a video tape, but consider Izzo’s latest motivational technique a success.

It doesn’t get much sunnier than the Final Four.

The MSU men’s basketball team beat Louisville 64-52 in the Midwest Regional Final on Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium to advance to next weekend’s Final Four at Ford Field in Detroit.

“It was just as big a win as our school has had because we’re going to Detroit,” said Izzo, whose program is making a nation-best fifth trip to the Final Four in 11 years.

“That’s been a dream and a goal since the day they announced where the Final Four was in 2009.”

In the way was Louisville, the top-seeded team in the entire NCAA Tournament, who destroyed Arizona 103-64 in the Midwest Region semifinal on Friday.

Sunday’s game featured eight ties and 10 lead changes, but once the Spartans took control of the game midway through the second half, they didn’t give it up.

Freshman forward Draymond Green stripped the ball from Louisville’s Edgar Sosa, which was picked up by senior guard Travis Walton. Walton flung the ball upcourt to sophomore guard Durrell Summers, who threw down a one-handed jam to make the score 41-36 and cause Louisville to call a time out.

Minutes later a Summers baseline jumper and a 3-pointer on the wing put MSU up 46-37, causing Louisville head coach Rick Pitino to call another timeout.

“Durrell grew up today. He became a man,” Walton said of Summers, who had 12 points. “What he did for our team today in making those shots was huge. He always steps up in big moments.”

Suton, who led MSU with 19 points and 10 rebounds, was named Most Outstanding Player for the Midwest Regional after the game. Suton averaged 14.3 points and 11.5 rebounds in the first four tournament games.

Sophomore guard Kalin Lucas, who had 10 points and five assists, Walton, Louisville’s Earl Clark and Kansas’ Cole Aldrich joined Suton on the all-regional team.

Clark led Louisville (31-6) with 19 points, while Preston Knowles had 11. Louisville’s 52 points Sunday was a season-low for the Cardinals, who shot just 35 percent from the field in the second half.

“We were so prepared, we knew everything they were going to do,” freshman forward Delvon Roe said. “Whatever set or formation they were in, we knew exactly where the ball was going to go. Preparation is what makes us the best defensive team in the country.”

MSU, which improves to 30-6 — just the third 30-win season in program history — also handled the vaunted Louisville full-court zone press. The Spartans only committed only 12 turnovers.

“Words can’t express how I feel right now,” senior forward Marquise Gray said. “It’s been a long, long, long five years for me … but this makes it all OK. This is what it’s all about. I’m at a loss for words.”

With the win, a multitude of potential story lines are a reality as the Spartans prepare for their national semifinal matchup against Connecticut (31-4) at 6:07 p.m. Saturday.

The Spartans will play on the NCAA’s biggest stage just 91 miles away from their home arena.

Detroit’s struggling economy will see an even bigger boost with thousands of MSU fans within driving distance.

The streak of every four-year player staying under Izzo going to a Final Four won’t end with Walton.

Lucas and Summers, both Detroit natives, will get to play in the Final Four at home — something Izzo “almost (promised)” them during their recruitment.

And, they are going to the Final Four 30 years after the Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Gregory Kelser-led 1979 team won the national championship.

“We’ve gotta move on from here and see if the magic will ride — the dreaming and all the things that go along with an opportunity to play in your home state — and see whether they can come true,” Izzo said.

Originally Published: 03/29/09 4:30pm




PHOTOS OF THE WEEK:More reprints »
Hannah Engelson / The State News

Gov. Jennifer Granholm delivers the State of the State address Wednesday evening at the Capitol.

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Commentary:

« ‹ 1 2 »

brad

03/29/09 4:32pm

FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!

Spartans!

03/29/09 4:37pm

On to Detroit!!!!

peng

03/29/09 4:40pm

I want to go to Detroit to watch Spartans!
How can I get the ticket??

Robert Baker

03/29/09 4:40pm

Ya gotta love Tom Izzo – whata coach:)

Bugsy

03/29/09 4:54pm

Just can’t say how stoked I am. The grit MSU has shown has been incredible. To have the Final Four in Michigan is great for the state, and even better to have MSU represent in it.

evergreen spirit

03/29/09 4:56pm

All my love goes for this team and for Tom Izzo, all the way from Turkey…
Once a SPARTAN always a SPARTAN!!!
GO GREEN!!!!!

Brandy

03/29/09 4:57pm

I am so proud of MSU!!! This is so great for the State of Michigan. We all need something t cheer about. Congrats to Tom Izzo and the Spartans. Go State!!!!!

Spartan in India

03/29/09 5:01pm

All the way from India:

GO STATE!!!!

Continue the warpath on to Detroit!

I’m extra proud to be a Spartan today!

MSUAlum

03/29/09 5:11pm

GO GREEN!! I am very proud to be a Spartan today :-) Such a great game, guys!! UConn should pack light because they won’t be in Detroit long!!

Chris

03/29/09 5:19pm

1999 alum here…go green! Wish I was still in the Detroit area to catch the game!

student

03/29/09 5:23pm

As a student, I must say that MSU has done everything for this State. We got a bowl game, we got a Pfizer plant in Holland, we got IBM, we got the FRIB, we continue to support the education in Detroit, we continue to provide excellent Extensions services (which the State wants to cut), we continue improving our research, and MSU overall continues making and enhancing the lives of individuals in Michigan and around the World.

Either if you are a Spartan or a wolvy that doesn’t change these facts.

MSU IS JUST BETTER.

GO GREEN! GO WHITE! GO STATE!

student

03/29/09 5:23pm

As a student, I must say that MSU has done everything for this State. We got a bowl game, we got a Pfizer plant in Holland, we got IBM, we got the FRIB, we continue to support the education in Detroit, we continue to provide excellent Extensions services (which the State wants to cut), we continue improving our research, and MSU overall continues making and enhancing the lives of individuals in Michigan and around the World.

Either if you are a Spartan or a wolvy that doesn’t change these facts.

MSU IS JUST BETTER.

GO GREEN! GO WHITE! GO STATE!

Go Green!

03/29/09 5:32pm

Final Four — one more reason for Tom Izzo to carry through on his promise to shave his head. Big 10 champs, Final Four, and hopefully a NCAA title. You’ve got to give him credit for staying with MSU, unlike heartless Nick Saban. Go Green!

Study Abroad Spartan

03/29/09 5:38pm

I’m studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland this semester, and am cheering the Spartans on from over here! I can’t wait for this Saturday, go STATE!!

03/29/09 5:43pm

Go Spartans and Coach Izzo what a fabulous season and weekend of exciting basketball as only Spartans can play! Thanks for help with the bracket this year!

student

03/29/09 5:54pm

This is an excerpt from a FREEP article posted after the game:

MSU announced plans for a fan rally at the Breslin Center at approximately 10 tonight. Fans are asked to enter through the tunnel.”

I am not sure about it, but it is probably true.

GO STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MNG

03/29/09 5:58pm

go state!

Bleed Green

03/29/09 6:11pm

Wish I still lived in the area to see State in the Final Four. Go Green!!

Spartan in france

03/29/09 6:18pm

Been over here for the last two basketball seasons, and this makes all those nights staying up so late to watch the games worth it. Way to go, and so glad for Walton, he deserves it :)

03/29/09 6:40pm

This is a good one!
ESPN Piece

03/29/09 6:41pm

Whoops, forgot to say that was a GREAT game to watch! Thank all of you guys for your efforts and the victory you produced in Indy.

Go GREEN

Spartan in Connecticut

03/29/09 6:49pm

Congrats to coach Izzo and team. A shout out to all the beloved Spartan fans out there. You all rock, like Detroit Rock City. The State of Michigan needs something to cheer about, and our basketball team sure gave one. Go Green! Go White!

wow

03/29/09 7:00pm

Surprised at all the spartans abroad. Proud to be a member of this amazing family.

GO GREEN!!!

iLoveMySpartans

03/29/09 7:25pm

I’m currently living in CT now. I was at a charity volleyball tournament yesterday, and a woman noticed that I wear a State shirt, as always, so she asked me if I’m a spartan. I replied, heck yeah. Then, she asked, did you watch State vs Kansas, last night? You bet ya…She told me that she’s a spartan as well. We are everywhere, baby! Go Green!

Spartan in PA

03/29/09 7:40pm

I love my school and I love how are basketball team represents our school. Not only are we winners, but we won with class, let alone toughness. How sweet it is…GO STATE!!!!!


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