The anticipation broke when the clock started at the MSU men's basketball team's annual Green and White game on Saturday.
Bringing together everything they have been working on throughout the summer and their first month of team practice, players were excited and ready to play in front of a crowd.
"We played against each other for almost a month now. We are looking forward to playing another team," junior center Paul Davis said. "But today was good, getting in front of the fans and showing them what we've been working on."
The Green team started off with senior guard Chris Hill at point guard, while freshman guard Drew Neitzel led the White squad. At the half, the Green squad was in the lead 35-32, and ended up winning, 72-68.
Leading in points for the Green team was Davis and senior guard Alan Anderson with 15 points.
For the White team, tying in scoring with 14 points, were senior guards Tim Bograkos and Kelvin Torbert, and sophomore center Drew Naymick. Sophomore guard Shannon Brown led the whole team with 16 points.
Naymick took a game-high nine rebounds, while Davis took seven.
"I didn't think I played too well tonight, but I kind of picked it up at the end," Davis said. "For the most part, it wasn't what I expected, but I had fun and I am glad all the fans were out here and I hope they had a lot fun, too."
Adjusting was a big part of the scrimmage for the Spartans. Incorporating fresh faces for the first time in a game situation was valuable.
Hill said although the freshmen have room for improvement, they played well and will be a good asset to the team.
"You're always going to have freshmen, that is part of the game and you got to deal with that," Hill said.
"But as far as on-the-court playing, the older guys are doing a good job at helping them along and continuing to do that. We're going to need some minutes out of the guys."
With 10 points, six assists and two turnovers in the game, Neitzel, the Spartans' first true point guard, said he feels comfortable in his position on the court.
"I am just trying to step in and do whatever it takes to help out the team, whether its starting or coming off the bench," Neitzel said.
"I'm just trying to be the judge and get everyone in the right spot, get them shots where they feel comfortable at, get everyone on the same page, so everyone is feeling comfortable out there on their particular position and hopefully be successful."
Overall, the team is looking to improve its transition game while continuing to work on the little things - such as rebounding - before the first game.
MSU is back on the court for an exhibition against Grand Valley State at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Breslin Center.
