Domination, Intimidation, Humiliation and Celebration as Spartans Whip Wolverines 64-48

  Breslin Center East Lansing, MI  I could write about the game, but it wasn’t one. The Spartans dominated their rivals from Ann Arbor or as the

 

The banner speaks for itself. Two in a row. Photo courtesy of Mark Boomgaard

 

Breslin Center

East Lansing, MI

 

I could write about the game, but it wasn’t one. The Spartans dominated their rivals from Ann Arbor or as the Izzone reminded them frequently: “Little Sisters.” UM didn’t even reach 20 points until the 14:12 mark OF THE SECOND half.

 

The Spartans ran around, through and over UM in a way not seen since ten years ago today, when they hammered them 114-63. Mateen Cleaves and Charlie Bell were in the house to watch and celebrate and what a celebration it was.

 

I was texted by a good friend who told me that as of today it has been 855 days since UM beat the Spartans in either football or basketball:Â DOMINATION.

 

The Spartans were on fire starting with warm ups. They waited until the last game of the regular season to play their best game. The crowd was the best I have seen them with a white out and the fans were phenomenal. Izzo said, “That was the best defense for 90% of that game that we have played.”  

 

Even AD Mark Hollis got in on the INTIMIDATION part. The ushers made a Wolverine fan wearing a bright yellow Michigan shirt remove it as he stood prior to the game in the Izzone. He walked over and gave him a free MSU shirt and the pre game crowd erupted for their leader getting in on the rivalry.

 

The Wolverines seemed clueless, but took this HUMILIATION like men. They made only 21% of their first half shots and were beaten on the boards and the turnovers. They seemed frustrated and then embarrassed as the Spartans had their way. Only when the game was winding down did they get any momentum. That momentum was only evident when the Spartans were substituting and celebrating.

 

Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims are great kids and it had to be humiliating to see what this game became. Wolverines were struggling and at times kept looking up at the clock with pleading eyes for mercy. Players yawning on the bench were only out matched by UM legend Jamie Morris sitting on the end of the bench clearly not having a good time.

 

CELEBRATION. Izzo has not had his most enjoyable season as the Spartan Nation understands. He said after the game that, “No question the journey was the hardest, so the reward is the greatest.” Obviously he is speaking about the regular season, but high praise from a man that has won and accumulated multiple titles.

 

“We are better than I give us credit for, but not as good as we can be,” was Izzo’s exclamation point on the big win. Clearly not something the rest of the nation wants to hear as we enter Izzo time.

 

Izzo time:Â Bring on the tournaments!