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Spartans atop early Big Ten power rankings
In the spirit of looking ahead, here’s my Preseason Big Ten Power Rankings for next year.
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Back on top: Duke wins championship
Indianapolis — All it took was seven ties, 15 lead changes and the most herculean of efforts from the Butler Bulldogs before the Duke Blue Devils could put a thrilling 61-59 victory in the books.
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Despite foul finish, Spartans exceed expectations
The NCAA Tournament is a funny thing in that all the buzzer beaters and out-of-body experiences change the way you think about the game. It reaches a point when seeds are thrown out the window and everybody — especially in a season that reflects more parity than any in recent memory — is on an even keel. Everybody gives you something to believe in.
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Free throws, whistles doom Spartans against Butler
Indianapolis — MSU’s struggles at the charity stripe (5-of-12 in the second half) and with the referees put the skids on unexpected run toward national championship Saturday.
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Seniors get sour swan song
Indianapolis — The reporters cleared. Raymar Morgan took a deep breath, and with an expressionless look, took off his jersey. The word “State” no longer was present across his chest. He took off his shoes and placed them to the side. Still, no expression. It wasn’t supposed to end like this.
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Duke, Butler to meet for national title
Indianapolis — Growing up, Butler’s players followed, watched and admired the Duke men’s basketball program. It didn’t exactly go both ways.
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Despite loss, future bright for Spartans
Even without their best player, and their best shooter and one of their best post players not anywhere near 100 percent, the Spartans were able to storm through the adversity and reach the Final Four.
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Defense takes over in 2nd half
Indianapolis – A span of about 10 minutes in the MSU and Butler men’s basketball teams’ game Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium was a perfect microcosm of the two teams’ philosophies that they’ve built their programs on.
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MSU falls to Butler, 52-50
Indianapolis — The MSU men’s basketball team’s unlikely Final Four run came to an end Saturday night in Indianapolis as the Spartans couldn’t manage a late comeback against Butler and fell, 52-50.
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MSU fans enjoy open practice festivities
Indianapolis – Nine-year-old Andrew Eaton of Oxford, Mich., isn’t surprised the MSU men’s basketball team is in the Final Four.
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Butler, MSU take part in open practices
Indianapolis — Brad Stevens knew his players were unaccustomed to shooting in a massive stadium, so he compared it to something similar he knew his Butler team had been doing its entire life.
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Butler says it feels no pressure
Indianapolis — It’s been one gigantic homecoming for the Bulldogs, who returned to their hometown of Indianapolis to play this weekend’s Final Four in their own backyard at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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Surprise! Morgan key for MSU
Indianapolis — Since the first tip-off of the NCAA Tournament three weeks ago, a variety of Spartans have been thrust into the spotlight. But the end of the road is nigh, which means the inevitable target becomes Raymar Morgan.
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Unfinished business
Indianapolis — After last season’s loss to North Carolina in the national championship game, then-freshman forward Draymond Green reminded his team that the Tar Heels were in the same position the previous season as MSU before coming back to win it all that year. With Green’s speech in mind, the Spartans have fought their way back into the Final Four this season, looking to take after the 2009 North Carolina squad and get MSU’s third national title in school history.
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Highlighting 4 key areas in Duke, West Virginia semifinal matchup
Indianapolis — Duke and West Virginia square off in the other NCAA national semifinal at approximately 8:47 p.m. Saturday. Here are a few key issues for the two:
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Despite 'mid-major' status, Butler belongs
Indianapolis — The Bulldogs’ top players don’t look like typical college stars and head coach Brad Stevens doesn’t look like a coach, as evident by a security guard asking him if he was a player. But don’t be fooled by the No. 5 that sits next to Butler’s name.
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Spartans have advantage vs. hometown favorites
Before Butler, MSU, Duke or West Virginia get the checkered flag, the four squads will square off in two national semifinal games Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Walton experiencing Final Four differently 2nd time around
Indianapolis — Travis Walton forever is grateful that MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo gave him a scholarship and an opportunity. In January, Tom Izzo gave Walton another chance, this time as a student assistant.
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Who's your Spartan?
With the Spartans one step closer to taking on the Butler Bulldogs on Saturday, students and residents of the East Lansing and Lansing communities comment on their favorite Spartans. Add your comment on who your favorite Spartan is and why.
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Lucious leads Spartans into Final Four with team's support
After hitting key shots at the end of MSU’s victories over No. 4-seed Maryland and No. 9-seed Northern Iowa, sophomore guard Korie Lucious seemed to want the ball in the final moments.