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
brad
03/29/09 4:32pmFINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!
Spartans!
03/29/09 4:37pmOn to Detroit!!!!
peng
03/29/09 4:40pmI want to go to Detroit to watch Spartans!
How can I get the ticket??
Robert Baker
03/29/09 4:40pmYa gotta love Tom Izzo – whata coach:)
MSUAlum
03/29/09 5:11pmGO 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!!
Bugsy
03/29/09 4:54pmJust 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 4:56pmAll 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 4:57pmI 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 5:01pmAll the way from India:
GO STATE!!!!
Continue the warpath on to Detroit!
I’m extra proud to be a Spartan today!
Chris
03/29/09 5:19pm1999 alum here…go green! Wish I was still in the Detroit area to catch the game!
student
03/29/09 5:23pmAs 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 5:23pmAs 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 5:32pmFinal 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 5:38pmI’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 5:43pmGo 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 5:54pmThis 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 5:58pmgo state!
Bleed Green
03/29/09 6:11pmWish I still lived in the area to see State in the Final Four. Go Green!!
Spartan in france
03/29/09 6:18pmBeen 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 6:40pmThis is a good one!
ESPN Piece
03/29/09 6:41pmWhoops, 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 6:49pmCongrats 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 7:00pmSurprised at all the spartans abroad. Proud to be a member of this amazing family.
GO GREEN!!!
iLoveMySpartans
03/29/09 7:25pmI’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 7:40pmI 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!!!!!
James Watson
03/29/09 7:49pmBen P.
03/29/09 8:09pmI’m just as happy about this as everyone here. Let’s just hope this good feeling continues all the way, and if not, let’s not let it turn into something ugly down there at cedar village. For now though, GO GREEN!
td
03/29/09 8:15pmYo, Spartans.
Y’all better be showing coach Izzo some love…..
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090329/SPORTS03/90329008/1002/SPORTS
As best I can tell he is just about the perfect college coach. Passionate, loves the kids, wants them to graduate, not a pompous creep like Pitino or Calhoun or Knight.
I think he knows he has a really good situation in EL, but do your part to make sure he knows it.
Spartan in GA
03/29/09 8:45pmGo Green! Izzo 4 ever!
Dave Kelley
03/29/09 9:14pm1996 alum and living in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee…never been prouder to be a Spartan. Between the New Years bowl game and the final four, my spartan car flag is a bit tattered. I’m sure it’s got two games left in it tho.
John R
03/29/09 10:22pmWhat a game. But just after the fact, the talking heads on ESPN (read Digger and Dicky V) give UCONN the advantage. Don’t these guys know anything? THE BIG LEAST HAS NOTHING ON MSU! GO GREEN!
Spartan in CA
03/29/09 10:55pmI was out numbered 50-1 when I watched the USC game at the bar out here. They were really annoying fans but I yelled at the TV and rooted extra hard for my Spartans. Amazing, lockdown thorough thrashing. Can’t wait for Saturday!!! GO GREEN!!!!
Chemist
03/29/09 11:30pmWhen coach Izzo promised a Final Four for his senors, he delivered. Again! Hard work, dedication, and trust in your teammate made the difference between good and great. We can play the role of underdog like always. Until the Spartan cut the nets in Detroit, those so-called expert can BS whatever they want. See you next weekend!
Go State!
Final 4
03/30/09 2:55amI am so proud to be a Spartan. These kids showed a tremendous amount of heart and they along with the MSU coaching staff deserve all the credit in the world.
lol
03/30/09 2:56amI don’t really care that they reached this. Why would I care? They will still end up losing and MSU fanboys will still destroy East Lansing once again. What’s there to be happy about it? At least if they lose in final 4, only half of East Lansing will be destroyed, if they reach the final and lose there..well, God help us all.
SpartanAthleteAlum
03/30/09 7:22amAll grown up and teaching in Asheville, NC.
Folks here believe they have all the kings of basketball in this state, and I’m here to say, GO SPARTANS!
This has me thinking of the 2000 election and bumper stickers with BUSH crossed out, GORE crossed out, IZZO! (for president)
We love you guys. Kick some UConn… they’re in YOUR COURT!
Re: lol
03/30/09 7:24amLet’s keep it positive here today, Mr./Ms. “lol.” I’m sure there will be plenty of time for that discussion all week. If you’ve been at MSU any March in the last 11 years, you know this will be pressed by the univ.
EVL
03/30/09 10:11amLove my Spartans!!! GO STATE!!!!
Green and White in Sydney, Australia
Wtf
03/30/09 10:14amDid anyone notice that during the Kansas game the announcers said coach Izzo might be interested in coaching Arizona since he feels under appreciated in East Lansing? I can’t believe the announcers said it.
Fort Wayne Spartan
03/30/09 10:21amWTF- I did hear that BS and laughed out loud some people fish to make something out of nothing. Congrats Coach Izzo and team. I remember having lunch with my coworkers when the tourney 1st started that I had State going all the way. Now they are all swining from the Bozack of the Spartans. It’s cool though all aboard the Spartan Bandwagon for all you late arrivers
Becky Becker
03/30/09 11:08amCongratulations to Coach Izzo and the Spartans. My daughter is a freshman at MSU, so we are rooting in PA! GO STATE!
Spartan in Iowa
03/30/09 11:36amMy Sparty friends here in Hawkeye country found each other last night and today. How do we recognize each other? “Go Green.” “Go White.” I’ll be making the trek back to Detroit Saturday to watch. GO STATE!
Pittsburgh Spartan
03/30/09 2:59pmThank you Izzo and team… AGAIN! First final four I have witnessed as a graduate – now that I have money, I can’t wait to make the trip over to MoTown this weekend. Go Green!
Spartans Tough as Nails
03/30/09 5:08pmAll the way from Italy:
Watched my Toons late every night this tournament. What a masterful game Izzo coached and the kids executed. Got half a miind to jump on a plane to Motown this weekend. STAAAAAAAATE!!!
james
03/30/09 10:18pmI don’t think I can improve on any of the comments above, except for lol’s. I’ve made this comment before: if you believe, you belong. Coach Izzo and this year’s team belong in the final four. What a great story for the state of Michigan! With the auto industry and the economy in such turmoil, it is really nice to hear some good news!
Pat
03/30/09 10:49pmWe’ve already owned the “big” 12 this year (see: Kansas-twice, and Texas).
Here’s to ‘Nova beating UNC so we can own the three top “Big” East teams as well. Plus, I’d like to see Tyler cry.