As I was watching the MSU men’s basketball team take on Georgetown Saturday afternoon, it finally occurred to me. Why does this game, or the rest of the regular season, really matter?
News flash — it doesn’t.
Column: Spartan basketball is better than Georgetown loss
Smith
After the No. 7 Spartans lost 64-60 to the Hoyas, my Twitter timeline was filled with quips like “Stupid to even schedule this game during the conference season.” and “This is disgraceful. Bad loss. Bad bad loss.”
Both are fair statements, but those fans were still watching, rooting and losing their minds as MSU seemed inept on the defensive end or were extra slow on the glass.
It’s normal for fans to freak out after a loss and be critical about why the coach chose to run that play or why that one player took a certain shot. It’s what we all love about sports.
One rival celebrates a win and acts out at opposing fans, while the loser’s hatred seethes as they look forward to another meeting.
See MSU vs. Michigan in both football and basketball.
Fortunately for those that are extra critical, I have a solution: change the channel.
I know that’s a knock to “Spartan Pride,” but if all you’re going to do is hate on the team, then don’t even watch.
Go on a Mad Men binge, or find something to like about a different sport, like basketball or hockey.
In every other league, the regular season matters. The last game of the year can decide whether or not a team makes the playoffs, or what bowl game they’ll play in. Not basketball.
It’s an excuse, but Izzo was using this game to get players ready that may need to step up in a big time situation in the NCAA Tournament.
Plus Adreian Payne and Branden Dawson are out.
With those two in the lineup, MSU would’ve rolled and none of this would’ve happened.
READ MORE
I know my suggestion of turning the TV off when the Spartans take the floor isn’t something fans will do.
Even if Gary Harris continues to have a superb year he’s having, there always will be that fan who says he’s overrated and not playing to his potential.
Haters gonna hate.
All I’m saying is don’t act like the Pope died every time Matt Costello can’t get a rebound against a non-conference opponent in early February.
It’s sports — not life and death.
Nine times out of 10, the teams that are in the rankings at the beginning of the season are the teams that make it to the Big Dance.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
The Spartans will be there, and they’ll probably be better than they are right now.
Scratch that, I’m sure they’ll be better because they won’t be wearing those God-awful bronze jerseys anymore.
Zach Smith is a State News reporter. Reach him at zsmith@statenews.com.
