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Sports | 1000

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Report card breakdown: Men's basketball

Alex Altman  and  Cash Kruth
February 12, 2009

With the best Big Ten start in school history, an undefeated road record and the moxie to rise above an array of injures and illnesses, the MSU men’s basketball team looks to be in prime position to win its first Big Ten Championship since 2001. Even with all of their success thus far, nobody’s perfect and the No. 9 Spartans (20-4 overall, 10-2 Big Ten) have had their share of breakdowns. Here’s how they stack up with six games remaining:

ICE HOCKEY

Team prepares for OSU series

Alex DiFilippo
February 12, 2009

MSU hockey head coach Rick Comley thinks his team’s recent schedule cluster is the toughest in the CCHA this season. After this weekend the Spartans will have played 12 conference games against three of the top four teams in the league­ — all of which are ranked in the top 20.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Spartans enjoy weeklong break

Cash Kruth
February 12, 2009

The MSU men’s basketball team’s side of the Berkowitz Basketball Complex was completely quiet earlier this week, as the No. 9 Spartans (20-4 overall, 10-2 Big Ten) were forced into shutdown mode by MSU head coach Tom Izzo.

ICE HOCKEY

Kivisto makes smooth transition to defense

Alex DiFilippo
February 12, 2009

Imagine spending your whole life dreaming of scoring goals and thinking up new moves to trick defensemen. Then imagine being flipped into the complete opposite role mid-season late in your hockey career. That’s exactly what forward-turned-defenseman Kurt Kivisto has done this season.

SPORTS

Spartans ready for meet with No. 9 Florida

Joey Nowak
February 11, 2009

Fresh off two consecutive weekends of multiteam competition, the MSU gymnastics team will take on No. 9 Florida on Saturday in East Lansing, hoping to earn some valuable experience against a seasoned SEC opponent before heading back out on the road this month.

BASKETBALL

MSU beats rival U-M in Ann Arbor

Cash Kruth
February 11, 2009

An MSU men’s basketball team that loves to push the ball up court and a Michigan team known for its love affair with the 3-point shot each fell victim to unfriendly baskets and lockdown defenses Tuesday night, as the No. 9 Spartans come away with a 54-42 win at Crisler Arena.

BASKETBALL

Delvon Roe has breakout game in 54-42 victory over U-M

Alex Altman
February 11, 2009

In his first interstate rivalry game, MSU forward Delvon Roe showed no signs of nerves. In fact, he played arguably the best game of his career. Roe finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds — his first career double-double — to lead MSU to a 54-42 victory over Michigan Tuesday night at Crisler Arena.

SOCCER

Saxton welcomes 6 new recruits

Joey Nowak
February 10, 2009

The MSU women’s soccer team has landed six recruits for the 2009 season as Desiree Aber, Kelsey Kassab, Jordan Mueller, Chelsea Peterson, Olivia Stander and Melissa Timko have signed letters of intent.

BASKETBALL

Merchant looking at several options to replace Thomas

The questions at women’s basketball head coach Suzy Merchant’s weekly press conferences usually center around the next game. But with only a trip to Indiana this week, there was plenty of time left open Monday to discuss the major issue the Spartans face — the untimely loss of sophomore guard Brittney Thomas to a season-ending knee injury.

BASKETBALL

Spartans to clash with 2-faced Wolverines

Cash Kruth
February 9, 2009

Perhaps unlike any other team in the Big Ten, opponents are never sure which Michigan basketball team will show up on a given night. The Wolverines can look like a potential NCAA Tournament team one night, drilling 3-pointers to beat UCLA and Duke as they did earlier this season.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Team needs better effort to keep lead

If games were played on paper, the MSU men’s basketball team would have had Saturday’s game against Indiana wrapped up before the singing of the national anthem. MSU entered the game with the best record in the Big Ten; Indiana had the worst.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Freshman's career day paces MSU in 75-47 victory

Cash Kruth
February 8, 2009

All Draymond Green did Saturday was take advantage of an opportunity. With the MSU men’s basketball team in a closer-than-expected Big Ten battle with last-place Indiana and senior center Goran Suton struggling early, the freshman forward brought energy and tenacity to the floor, scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to lead the Spartans to a 75-47 victory over the Hoosiers at Breslin Center.

ICE HOCKEY

Going all out

Matt Bishop
February 8, 2009

It’s no secret the MSU hockey team hasn’t caught many breaks this season. So Saturday, the team did what it needed to — scratching and clawing its way to a gritty 1-0 win over Ferris State at Ewigleben Ice Arena.

ICE HOCKEY

Icers blank Bulldogs 1-0

Matt Bishop
February 7, 2009

Big Rapids — For a second consecutive night, senior goaltender Jeff Lerg came through with an effort good enough to lead the MSU hockey team to victory — only this time, the Spartans were able to hold on to an early lead.

ICE HOCKEY

Icers can't hold on in 2-2 tie

Matt Bishop
February 7, 2009

In years past, a tie with Ferris State would not be looked upon as a successful outcome for the MSU hockey team. But in the midst of a tough season — one that includes winless streaks of 11 and, currently, six games — any point is a good point for the Spartans. Despite losing a 2-0 lead for the second straight game and losing the shootout 2-1, MSU head coach Rick Comley will certainly settle for the point the 2-2 tie brings his team.

BASKETBALL

Tough guy

Cash Kruth
February 5, 2009

In the second half of a game between the MSU men’s basketball team and Illinois earlier this year, an MSU jumper clanked off the rim. MSU freshman forward Draymond Green and Illinois forward Dominique Keller each jumped for the rebound, both coming down together with the ball. Quickly and swiftly, Green lifted the ball up — and with it the 6-foot-7, 230 pound Keller. Green body-slammed Keller to the ground.