Despite how often the phrase has been used recently, there can be no denying that it's definitely a good time to be a Spartan. The achievements of MSU's basketball teams might be enough to transform even the most reluctant sports spectator into a die-hard fan of the game.

The men exceeded expectations Friday when they took down No. 1 seed Duke, beating the Blue Devils for the first time since 1958. MSU then eliminated No. 2 seed Kentucky on Sunday and is now headed to the Final Four for the fourth time in seven years.

Sunday's game kept Spartans fans on the edge of their seats, first with the seemingly endless play review of a 3-point shot by Kentucky's Patrick Sparks, and then with a double overtime that, for a few moments, looked like it might be a triple.

The team's performance this weekend especially vindicated seniors Alan Anderson, Chris Hill, Kelvin Torbert and Tim Bograkos, who helped their team to prove that the Spartans have what it takes to make a run for the championship. In their last possible opportunity to prove they can live up to what everyone expected them to be at the season's outset, these seniors have done so in a huge way. That's not a bad way to finish out their college careers.

The MSU women, also a No. 1 seed, have played equally incredible basketball. The team will play against Stanford for their spot in the Final Four tonight. Unlike the men, the women don't have to worry about defying expectations, but meeting them.

Although sending the men and women to the championships would be a huge event in Spartans sports history, we've already witnessed serious accomplishments from both teams: setting the bar and surpassing expectations.

Win or lose, every Spartan has a reason to be proud this March.