Tuesday, October 22, 2024

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Sports | Basketball

BASKETBALL

Spartans' NCAA Tournament chances left up to fate

Indianapolis – Walking off the court after being bounced by Purdue in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, the minds of Lykendra Johnson and players on the MSU women’s basketball team were filled with uncertainty. Following MSU’s 74-63 loss to the Boilermakers on Friday, questions surrounded the team’s candidacy for a bid in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

BASKETBALL

Column: Spartans' progress shows in Big Ten Tournament

One down, three to go. The MSU women’s basketball team (20-10 overall, 11-5 Big Ten) came into the Big Ten Tournament determined to make history as the first team to win four games in four days to win the title. If Thursday’s opening round game against Indiana (6-24 overall, 1-15) is any indication, it’s clear the Spartans mean business.

BASKETBALL

Fifth-year phenom

Physically, Austin Thornton has been here before. A fifth-year senior guard for the No. 5 MSU men’s basketball team, Thornton has been to two Final Fours, played in a National Championship game and he’s been a part of three Big Ten championship teams.