In need of camaraderie, Spartans fans gathered at Breslin Center on Saturday to watch the Final Four men's basketball game live on Spartan Vision.

During the first half, the crowd connected with the game, reacting much like they would if it were a home game. Each breakaway, basket or opponent error caused the crowd to burst into applause. Traditional cheers and chants echoed through the stadium, often led by a cowbell-playing student.

To carry on the atmosphere, public administration and public policy freshman Douglas Mitchell and no-preference freshman Coilin Walsh decided the best way to show their spirit was to paint themselves green.

"We wanted to do something outrageous and wild. This was the most outrageous and wild thing we could think of," Mitchell said.

Mitchell also said he enjoyed the climate at Breslin because people were getting into the cheers and singing the fight song.

Some children and MSU students even took to running around the perimeter of the court during timeouts to pump up the crowd. The crowd reacted by starting the wave and cheering the runners on.

Throughout the game, the audience kept track of the score, timeouts left and team fouls on Spartan Vision along with watching the action. Fans also were given 8 1/2-by-11-inch white posters with a green 'S' on it to make them feel like they were really there.

MSU alumnus Kevin Scott came with his wife Jayne, who also is an alumna, and his two children.

"We wanted to be part of the Spartan action," Scott said. "We wanted to be amongst all of the fans."

Scott said his children, Tyler and Haley, were his motivation to watch the game at Breslin.

"Since they were born, they were brainwashed green," he said.

Kelly Knechtel, a psychology sophomore, also said being around other fans during the game was important to her.

"I just wanted to be in a big atmosphere with a lot of Spartan fans instead of being in the dorms," Knechtel said.

The student presence at Breslin was mixed with people who were under and over 21 years of age. Some students who were of drinking age decided to watch the game at Breslin because the bars were full.

"I went to 'B-Dubs,' and the line was insanely long," physiology senior Oneill Niyomugabo said referring to Buffalo Wild Wings, 360 Albert Ave. "Plus, I didn't want to stand in line outside."

Breslin offered free admission and parking for anyone who wanted to watch the game. Breslin spokeswoman Lyndsey Burchardt estimated there were about 3,200 people in attendance.

In 2001, Breslin hosted a similar event for the men's basketball team when it played in the Final Four against Arizona. About 5,100 people attended that game.

As the game Saturday night wound down in the final minutes, the crowd began to settle down as they realized the Spartans would lose. But some fans, including history senior Alicia Ratterree, said they still felt the need to stay until the buzzer sounded.

"I want to support my team," Ratterree said. "This is still my school, win or lose."