The Harlem Globetrotters are accustomed to winning.
And often.
The fun-loving traveling squad has won 1,270 straight games, most recently a 76-69 win over Division II National Champion Metro State on Nov. 10.
But when they enter Breslin Student Events Center at 7 p.m. tonight for an exhibition game, televised on ESPN2, don’t expect No. 3 MSU to play dead.
“Even though it’s an exhibition game that doesn’t count in the standings we want to go out there and win,” senior guard Charlie Bell said. “They’re going to come in here and try to knock us out.”
Bell led the Spartans in scoring with 15 points in their first exhibition game Nov. 7 against Northern Michigan. MSU had six different players in double figures during their 93-40 smashing of the Division II Wildcats.
The game marks the second of a three-school tour for the Globetrotters. Their last game is at Purdue on Wednesday.
MSU head coach Tom Izzo admitted he doesn’t quite know what to expect from the Globetrotters.
“It’s a good test for us, but it’s also hard to know what we’re getting,” Izzo said. “I only have one film on them, but I think they’re extremely talented.”
The Globetrotters, famous for their constant winning over the Washington Senators and its on-court trickery, have some recognizable former collegiate players on the squad this year.
Former Rhode Island point guard Tyson Wheeler, former Louisville forward Alex Sanders and former Colorado forward Donnie Boyce lead the group.
“We watched Wheeler when he played for Rhode Island, and he’s good,” Bell said.
Izzo agreed.
“Wheeler is a good player, and he led Rhode Island to the Sweet 16,” he said.
Bell added the Globetrotters will be one of the Spartans’ toughest non-conference tests.
“Out of the teams we’re playing in the preseason, they’re top five, no doubt,” he said. “They’re no pushover, and this isn’t a regular exhibition game.”
Bell’s statement is a bold one, considering MSU plays North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky and Seton Hall before conference play begins Jan. 3 against Penn State.
Izzo said he made sure the game would be serious when he agreed to play the traveling squad.
“I didn’t want a trick game, but if they want to do a few tricks in warm-up, that’s cool,” he said. “But I’m not looking to get water thrown on me.”
Against Northern MSU played 11 players for 11 minutes or more. Izzo said he’s still searching to find the combinations he feels comfortable with for the regular season.
