MEN'S BASKETBALL

No. 19 Spartans rout Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Izzo unhappy with team's effort

Dillon Davis

December 6, 2012

Before the No. 19 MSU basketball team took the floor Wednesday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Tom Izzo vowed he’d have a much fairer evaluation of his team than he did on Saturday against Nicholls State. But even after the No. 19 Spartans thoroughly routed the Golden Lions on Wednesday evening at Breslin Center, the veteran head coach didn’t like what he saw.

BASKETBALL

Izzo's frustration's grow as Spartans search for rotation

Josh Mansour

December 6, 2012

Holding an opponent scoreless for the opening 10 minutes of a game, as part of a 32-point victory would have most basketball coaches excited. But Wednesday night, Tom Izzo was anything but.

BASKETBALL

No. 19 Spartans defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 76-44

Dillon Davis

December 5, 2012

There was a distinct holiday flavor in the air at Breslin Center on Wednesday, as the Izzone student section taunted visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff with Christmas songs for much of the evening. Unfortunately, the No. 19 MSU basketball team wasn’t exactly in the mood for gift giving.

FOOTBALL

Introducing the Horned Frogs

Jesse O'Brien

December 5, 2012

*On Sunday, it was announced the MSU football team (6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten) is headed to Tempe, Ariz., to take on the TCU Horned Frogs (7-5, 4-5 Big 12) in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

SPORTS

Spartans prepare for finals as well as Sweet 16 matchup

Matt Sheehan

December 5, 2012

For many students, the upcoming finals week can be a stressful experience.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

No. 19 Spartans host Arkansas-Pine Bluff in nonconference tilt

Dillon Davis

December 4, 2012

As is the case for many college basketball teams this time of year, there still are kinks to be worked out by head coach Tom Izzo and the No. 19 MSU basketball team. However, in the nonconference season, aside from a few games, it’s often hard to find a fair point of evaluation.

ICE HOCKEY

Freshman defenders recognized for consistency

When Travis Walsh was growing up, he was taught that going unnoticed as a defenseman sometimes can be a positive attribute.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Women's basketball looks to stay perfect against Oakland

Zach Smith

December 4, 2012

When the MSU women’s basketball team lost to Notre Dame on Dec. 11, 1999, it already was off to the best start in program history.

VOLLEYBALL

Key MSU volleyball players coming off big weekend

Matt Sheehan

December 4, 2012

With every big win reads a crucial performance in the box score, and with MSU volleyball’s memorable weekend in the NCAA Tournament, the Spartans are no exception.

SPORTS

The Best in Fall Sports 2012

Compiled by the State News Sports Desk

December 3, 2012

With the fall semester coming to a close, the State News sports desk gathered around its very small round table to discuss the season’s top performers and come up with the best of the best of the best in MSU sports in the fall. Arguments were made, deriding laughter was heard, tears were shed, but we finally compiled the official State News Best in Fall Sports 2012.

BASKETBALL

Despite many hurdles, Merchant finding success for Spartans

Zach Smith

December 3, 2012

In 17 years of coaching, MSU women’s basketball head coach Suzy Merchant has never experienced something like she has this season.

ICE HOCKEY

Newcomers finding groove for MSU hockey team

The beginning of a new chapter always warrants an adjustment period. Whether it’s a new job, moving to a new city or, in the case of MSU hockey (4-8-2 overall, 3-6-1 CCHA), bringing in 12 new players, getting into a groove takes time.

VOLLEYBALL

George continues to build résumé during signature season

Matt Sheehan

December 3, 2012

For MSU volleyball head coach Cathy George, this season has been a remarkable one for her already impressive résumé.

BASKETBALL

New starting lineup proves successful for Izzo, MSU

Josh Mansour

December 2, 2012

Nearly two weeks ago, Tom Izzo tried to shake things up, but fate wouldn’t let him.

VOLLEYBALL

Column: Spartans not taken lightly after UCLA win

Matt Sheehan

December 2, 2012

For the better part of its season, the MSU volleyball team has been playing a role most teams despise being in: the underdog role.

ICE HOCKEY

Ice hockey team swept in weekend series against Ohio State

When Ohio State (7-4-3 overall, 6-2-2-1 CCHA) traveled to East Lansing this weekend for an away series, the players brought with them six periods of consistent, strong hockey.

SPORTS

Spartans gymnasts excel at annual Green and White Scrimmage

Zach Smith

December 2, 2012

The MSU gymnastics team looks to get ready for the season as the Green squad defeated the White squad 115.65 to 115.50 at the Green and White Scrimmage Sunday afternoon.

FOOTBALL

Spartans accept bid to Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl

Jesse O'Brien

December 2, 2012

The MSU football team has accepted an invitation to play in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. on Dec. 29, the MSU athletics department announced Sunday afternoon.

VOLLEYBALL

Spartans advance to Sweet 16 after knocking off defending champion UCLA

Matt Sheehan

December 2, 2012

The chips were stacked against the Spartans on Saturday, as they squared off against the defending national champion UCLA at their home court.

BASKETBALL

No. 13 MSU gets back to having fun in rout of Nicholls State

Josh Mansour

December 1, 2012

After a stressful opening month to the season that began with the No. 13 MSU men’s basketball team (6-2) traveling across the pond to Germany, flying to Atlanta four days later to face the then No. 7 team in the country, then playing a stretch of four games in one week, the Spartans needed a laugher, and Saturday they got one.