Monday 3/16/15

State MADNESS begins News the

The

See pages 6-12

Senior guard Travis Trice and junior forward Matt Costello make their way off the court Sunday during a timeout in the championship game of the Big Ten Tournament against Wisconsin at United Center in Chicago.

PHOTO: KELSEY FELDPAUSCH

Holding their own Despite losing the championship to Wisconsin, 80-69, the Spartans remained competitive until overtime. And with tourney wins over Ohio State and Maryland, MSU made it clear that in March, no one can count them out. See pages 6-7 M ON DAY, M A R C H 16 , 2 015

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News

Simon Schuster Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews

While you were away: news from spring break

BY STATE NEWS STAFF FEEDBACK@STATENEWS.COM

DOMINIQUE NOLFF’S KILLER PLEADS GUILTY Marquay McCoy, the 20-yearold charged in the murder of MSU student Dominique Nolff, pleaded guilty March 6, according to the Lansing State Journal.

The Grand Rapids resident pleaded guilty to second degree murder and armed robbery, which carries a sentence of 32 years to life in prison.

On Jan. 31, 2014, McCoy attempted to rob Nolff and his roommate at gunpoint. He attempted to take medical marijuana and a laptop during a party at Nolff’s Cedar Street apartment.

Roommate and hospitality business junior Corbin Holwerda earlier testified he put McCoy in a “full Nelson” while Nolff repeatedly punched McCoy in the face, according to LSJ. During the altercation, McCoy managed to fire a .9 mm pistol, hitting both students.

Nolff was shot in the head and the shoulder area and died the following day. Holwerda was shot in the calf.

McCoy’s sentencing is set for April 8.

MICHIGAN LAWMAKERS TAKE THE POLAR PLUNGE In near-15 degree weather, a record 50 legislators and their staff took part in the annual Legislative Polar Plunge on the Capitol lawn to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan on March 5.

Michigan’s Lt. Gov. Brian Calley was the first to take the icy dip.

In past years, the event has raised $120,000 for the cause, and legislators showed up in a variety of creative clothing,

Law Enforcement Torch Run liaison and development director of Special Olympics Michigan Andrea Rachko, left, and State Rep. Leslie Love jump into a pool March 5 in front of the Capitol in downtown Lansing for the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics. PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH

including many who made the leap in suits. Rep. Klint Kesto, R-Commerce Township, wore a Superman outfit and Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, represented his district by jumping in dressed in lederhosen and wielding a pint of beer, managing the jump while spilling hardly any beer.

Special Olympics Michigan is a non-profit group whose mission is “to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with

intellectual disabilities.” The organization frequently holds polar plunge events around the state to raise money.

The group’s website said 20,797 athletes participate in events, which are held at no charge to athletes or their families.

President and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan Lois Arnold was at the event to personally thank “all of these brave legislators.”

To see a video of the plunge, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

ALTERNATIVE MUSIC STATION 94.1 BECOMES COUNTRY STATION Starting Monday at 6 a.m., fans of country music in East Lansing area will have one more radio station acclimated to their tastes.

94.1-FM WVIC, a station that currently plays alternative and rock music, will switch to broadcasting in ‘classic’ country format, featuring prominent artists and music from 1985 to 2000.

The decision was announced

by Patrick Pendergast, vice pres-

ident and general manager for Midwest Communications Inc. in Lansing. Pendergast was hired last spring as the head of the Lansing radio market, including four stations: WJQX, WQTX, WLMI and WVIC. In addition to the changes at WVIC, 92.9 WLMI “Lansing’s Greatest Hits” radio station has lost its long-time morning host Tim Barron. Barron has launched his own web-based talk show called Tim Barron’s RadioMichigan.com. His final broad-

cast on WLMI was March 6.

WLMI will be more music-focused now, as opposed to the talk-heavy segments currently spotlighted, but the music programming will remain unchanged.

Many fans have complained about the change in WVIC’s programming by commenting on the station’s Facebook page.

The new 94.1 “The Duke” joins two other popular country stations in the area including 100.7 WITL and B-93, broadcasting from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo counties.

FASHION SHOW HELD Fashion reigned last Friday evening at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre as student designers displayed their creative garments for all to see.

This year’s annual Apparel and Textile Design Fashion Show featured 35 student designers, with each showing up to three pieces.

The fashion show was open to all MSU students interested in fashion design, but the admissions process was competitive.

“We go through a jury of judges. We show our work to them and they decide which pieces are suited for the show,” apparel and textile design senior Autumn Hauer said. “There’s probably about a 50 percent acceptance rate.”

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THE STATE N E WS

MONDAY, MARCH 1 6 , 2 01 5

Contents MSU spring breakers 2015 1

2

SUBMITTED BY @JILLEEBEE

SUBMITTED BY @BRANTOBACK

4

The State News asked our readers to submit photos of them on their spring break trips through Twitter and received replies from students all across the globe.

Here are a few of the photos submitted by Spartans of their adventures both abroad and at home.

3

5

SUBMITTED BY @HONESTLYBOXEY

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1. EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN 2. DEER VALLEY, UTAH 3. HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 4. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 5. CANCÚN, MEXICO 6. PERU

SUBMITTED BY @SHELLBEEEEE

SUBMITTED BY @OHEYIMSOPHIEE

SUBMITTED BY @SCHAULSKI

READ MORE

Professor with cerebral palsy surpasses expectations as cyclist

Alumnus commits to running a 5K a week to achieve personal goal

Cross country senior seizes national title at championship meet

PAGE 4

PAGE 5

SEE ONLINE AT STATENEWS.COM

18 DA I LY N U M B E R

Straight years that men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo has led his team to the NCAA tourney

“Are the Spartans going to win a national championship this year? More than likely, no. But that doesn’t mean MSU fans shouldn’t appreciate how special this streak is.”

Sports reporter Matthew Argillander, on what the MSU fanbase should realize.

Read more on page 11.

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TH E STATE N E WS

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News

Professor defied expectations to become athlete

“great equalizer.”

“I wasn’t embarrassed,” Wyeth said. “I wasn’t a block or two behind them.”

Wyeth transitioned to an active lifestyle in high When he was an infant, Duncan Wyeth’s parents school when he participated in various intramuwere told by doctors he wouldn’t live past 40.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, doctors told ral sports and managed several teams.

After graduation, Wyeth spent his first year at Wyeth’s parents not to expect Wyeth to walk or retain any intelligence and suggested placing Alma College, but contracted a case of pneumonia Wyeth into an institution and to have another that almost killed him. While recovering at Sparrow Hospital, his proximity to MSU allowed him child.

“In 1946, our understanding was limited,” Wyeth to continue his education, enrolling full time in the university after being discharged. said.

Wyeth discovered a sense of community when Sixty-nine years later, Wyeth is an active and mobile MSU professor teaching the course Disabil- he began to cycle seriously with the Mid-Michiity in a Diverse Society, and the proud owner of 14 gan Tri-County Bicycle Association — presently athletic medals — proving all the doctors wrong. the largest touring club in the U.S. Graduating magna cum laude from MSU in Wyeth learned basic motor skills without the aid of a physical therapist, although slightly slow- 1969 and earning his master’s degree there in er than the average toddler. He sported leg brac- 1972, Wyeth studied interdisciplinary studies es until the age of 4, when his grandfather taught with a minor in history, science and a secondary teaching degree. That degree became useful lathim how to walk.

Wyeth credits his hard work and determination er in life when he taught in the Lansing Catholic to his supportive family who, in his early child- Schools system.

Wyeth didn’t begin a comhood, gave him opportunipetitive career in cycling until ties that even then he realized 1978 when, at age 32, he comweren’t the norm. peted in his first physically dis“Throughout my childhood, abled sports competition at the I had a conscious realization I Michigan Cerebral Palsy Sport was always the only one that State Games in Detroit. Wyeth had a visible disability,” Wyeth walked away with one silver said. “The majority of individand five gold medals, two from uals with physical disabilities cycling. weren’t particularly visible in medals won by Wyeth for “It was my first time competsociety.” cerebral palsy-related athletics ing with people with the same Wyeth distinctly remembers motor skills, similar functionbeing the only disabled person al experience,” Wyeth said. “I in his school.

“I brought the responsibility to always push the signed up for everything. I was a kid in a canboundaries of expectations and be a good role dy store.”

Following the state games, Wyeth competmodel. With that there’s a dark side, because I was ‘different.’ It would sometimes put me in a ed nationally, qualifying him to compete in the position on the receiving side of teasing, bully- 1982 World Cerebral Palsy Games in Greve, Denmark. He won a bronze medal for cycling — the ing, being picked on,” he said.

At age 7, Wyeth acquired an interest in bicy- first medal ever won by an American in cerebral cling with his peers around the neighborhood. palsy cycling.

Six years later, Wyeth competed in the 1988 After pitching in time and manual labor helping his father install a patio and do landscaping on the Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea, and was awardfront lawn, Wyeth earned enough money to pur- ed “Male Athlete of the Year Award” from the Unitchase his first bicycle — changing his life forever. ed States Olympic Committee.

Following the 1988 Paralympics, Wyeth com“It was the Cadillac of Schwinn bicycles,” Wyeth said. “It had a horn, chrome fenders — Holly- peted in the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. wood is in town.”

In addition to a career in education and cycling, Wyeth saw the new wheels as more than just a way to enjoy the Michigan sunshine after school. Wyeth has paved a successful path advocating for Although he couldn’t keep up with his friends the physically disabled and their families. when walking, he said the bike proved to be a To read the full story, visit statenews.com

BY MARIA BRAGANINI

MBRAGANINI@STATENEWS.COM

ABOVE LEFT: MSU professor and alumnus Duncan Wyeth speaks to his students during a lecture March 5, at Farrall Agricultural Engineering Hall. Duncan was born with cerebral palsy, but still teaches and competitively cycles. PHOTO: HANNAH LEVY ABOVE RIGHT: MSU professor and then, Win-In-The-Crunch Challenge competitor Duncan Wyeth, second from left, stands with other competitors and Olympian and celebrity Bruce Jenner, far right, in 1992 at the Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. PHOTO COURTESY OF DUNCAN WYETH

The LeFrak Forum

and Symposium on Science, Reason, & Modern Democracy in the Department of Political Science present a lecture titled

Adam Smith and a New Public Imagination

Professor Fonna Forman University of California - San Diego Monday, March 16, 7:00 p.m.

Kellogg Center, Lincoln Room Fonna Forman is Associate Professor at the University of California, San Diego. She is founding co-director of the UCSD Center on Global Justice. She is a poliical theorist best known for her work on Adam Smith.

She is Editor of the Adam Smith Review.

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14

Features

Casey Holland Features editor features@statenews.com @sn_features

Alumnus continues 5k trek with the Lucky Feet 5k

East Lansing events for the week

BY LAUREN OWINGS LOWINGS@STATENEWS.COM

DREAMCATCHER CRAFT NIGHT 50 MSU Union, Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m.

The UAB Arts Committee and Multicultural Committee are hosting a craft night in which MSU students can make their very own dreamcatcher. While there, students will learn about the historical and cultural importance of this symbol. Supplies will be provided while they last.

Students plus one guest will be admitted with student ID.

BY LESLIE HEMENWAY LHEMENWAY@STATENEWS.COM

WE GOT THIS

JJ CATERING MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE

WHARTONCENTER.COM OR 1-800-WHARTON

Arena Theatre

Midland resident and MSU alumnus Robert Lincoln runs Sunday during the Lucky Feet 5K Run/ Walk that began at 542 Auditorium Rd. Lincoln plans to run a 5K every weekend for the entirety of this upcoming summer.

theatre.msu.edu

There was still a chill to the air Sunday morning, but this didn’t deter the runners gathered by the rock on Farm Lane for the Lucky Feet 5K Walk/Run. For Midland resident and MSU alumnus Robert Lincoln, this is part of his plan to run one 5K every weekend.

Lucky Feet is an event put on by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

The event features a standard 5K, where participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, and also a Kids ¼ Miles Leprechaun Leap, which is specifically for kids age 12 and under.

According to the NKFM’s website, 90 cents of every dollar made benefits the organization’s programs and services that assist Michiganders who suffer from or are at risk for kidney disease.

About 30 people gathered by the rock for the event. Participants donned athletic clothing and minimal winter gear, such as ear muffs, as they chatted, eagerly anticipating the start of the 5K. The event’s theme was St. Patrick’s Day, so some people donned shamrock-themed attire. Sparty also made an appearance and interacted with people and participants.

East Lansing resident Azhar Ahamad said he was participating in the 5K because he believes it’s a worthwhile cause. He said the importance of the kidney as a body part is typically downplayed, which is insulting to those who suffer from a kidney-related disease.

“My aunt has dialysis so that makes me feel like if I can contribute something, someone else could benefit from it. I couldn’t do anything for my aunt but at least maybe someone else could benefit from it,” he said.

Lincoln said he was there because he plans on doing a 5K every weekend to the summer.

“I turn 60 this year, and I think … we can sit around and talk about our aches and pains or we can get off the couch and do something about it,” he said. “So this is my way of getting off the couch and doing something about it.”

Lincoln said this was his second 5K — he participated in Flint’s “Run Your Ice Off” a couple of weeks ago. He said it went well, though it was a lot colder then, and he predicts he will improve as it gets warmer since the weather won’t be as bad on his bones.

His commitment to his weekly 5Ks isn’t the only thing that brought Lincoln to Lucky Feet.

Kidney-related health problems is an issue that hits close to home for him.

Lincoln said he personally doesn’t suffer from kidney-related issues, and neither do any relatives, but he has friends who have had significant problems. He said it’s difficult to watch someone you’re so close to go through that.

“It’s tough, anytime anybody has any type of physical problem, the main thing is the limitations,” he said. “I’ve got a very good friend now that’s on dialysis, and so his quality of life is not what it used to be, and so that’s just tough to watch sometimes.”

That isn’t the only personal aspect of this 5K for Lincoln. As an MSU alumnus, Lincoln said he jumps at every possible opportunity to participate in an on-campus event.

He said he’s had a very good life, and it all began at MSU.Lincoln said his best memories come from being a resident assistant and graduate assistant.

The positions were not only a lot of fun, they were also learning experiences for him during his time at MSU.

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre, Thursday 7:30 p.m.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company consists of three comedians who take long, dull subjects and reduce them to short and witty parodies. They have tackled Shakespeare, the history of the United States and even the Bible.

Their newest production, “Bad Boys of Abridgement,” focuses on what makes people laugh. Watch as these men dissect their very own line of work at their Thursday evening performance.

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MONDAY, MARC H 1 6 , 2 01 5

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March Madness Despite crushing loss to Badgers, MSU showed promise in B1G tourney Sophomore forward Gavin Schilling smiles after a dunk Sunday during the championship game of the Big Ten tournament against Wisconsin at United Center in Chicago.

Though MSU played some of their best basketball of the season on the road to the championship, they fell short in overtime on Sunday

BY JOHN NEIDHART JNEIDHART@STATENEWS.COM

As the No. 3 seed in the Big Ten tournament, MSU pieced together two wins over Ohio State and Maryland to set up a heavyweight fight for the championship.

A meeting with No. 1 seed Wisconsin was the final step in MSU’s quest to defend its tournament crown, and for about 32 minutes the Spartans were well on their way to another

title.

Following a steal and fast break reminiscent of last year’s Big Ten tournament championship, senior forward Branden Dawson found himself all alone and slammed home a dunk to put MSU up 11 with just under eight minutes left in regulation.

The Badgers responded in a hurry, scoring 11 straight points to regain a 60-59 lead and send the overwhelmingly predominant Wisconsin crowd

into a frenzy.

The final stretch was wild and after 40 minutes, a Big Ten tournament champion still wasn’t decided. Wisconsin pounced on the Spartans in overtime, however, outscoring them 11-0 and cruising to an 80-69 win.

PHOTOS: KELSEY FELDPAUSCH

T H E R OA D T O T H E CHAMPIONSHIP In Friday night’s quarterfinal game against Ohio State, MSU played some of its best basket-

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THE STATE N E WS

FRI DAY, AUGUST 2 9, 2 01 4

Anya Rath Managing editor arath@statenews.com @thesnews

ball of the year at times. The Spartans also looked vulnerable at others, giving up multiple double-digit leads. When all was said and done, MSU hung on for a 76-67 victory.

The win earned MSU a third date with Maryland, a team that the Spartans had taken to overtime at Breslin Center and had been dominated by in College Park. After trailing by as many as 16 points, MSU charged back into the game before once again hanging on for a 62-58 victory.

“But I thought the way our guys responded, showed some character, showed some grit,” Izzo said following the win.

“Hopefully it’ll help us down the road.”

DAWSON DE FE N DIN G HIS CROWN Sen ior for wa rd Bra nden Dawson turned in yet another impressive Big Ten tournament run. Even in defeat, Dawson shined. He battled with Wisconsin’s Naismith hopeful senior forward Frank Kaminsky, pestering him and holding his ground against the towering 7-footer. He wasn’t matched up with Kaminsky for the entire game, but when he was, his presence was felt.

“He jumped over people, he made shots, free throws, he got rebounds,” Izzo said. “We put him on Kaminsky and he didn`t guard him the whole game, but he did one hell of a job on him.”

Dawson posted 16 points and seven rebounds to Kaminsky’s 19 points and five rebounds.

Against Ohio State, Dawson finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. In the semi-final win over Maryland, he had 17 points and eight rebounds.

“To win a game, yo do a lot of things right. To win a championship, you do 90 percent of the things right.”

Tom Izzo, men’s basketball head coach

Against the Terrapins, Izzo was not pleased with Dawson at halftime. He said he challenged his senior to pick up his game, and emphatically, Dawson answered the call.

“It really started at halftime,” senior guard Travis Trice said.

“Coach came in and said either you’re going to get the job done or I’m not going to play you, and B.J. responded like great players do at that point.”

He was the Most Outstanding Player a year ago, and if MSU had won Sunday, he would have been a strong candidate to take the award again. Dawson was voted to the All-Tournament Team along with fellow senior Trice.

MOVING FORWARD After coming so close to pulling the upset and capping an incredible tournament run, the disappointment was felt in the locker room afterwards. But it was that aspect of the weekend that might help MSU the most going forward.

“You forget about Wisconsin but you remember the feeling,” Trice said. “You don’t want to have this feeling again. You gotta forget about this game.

It’s time to move on.”

Almost winning games won’t cut it the rest of the way. The Spartans will need to play like the team from the first 32 minutes of the game if they want to keep their season going.

“To win a game, you do a lot of things right,” Izzo said. “To win a championship, you do 90 percent of the things right.”

In winning the two prior games and picking up a signature win against Maryland, MSU has plenty of positives to take away from the weekend.

Like MSU teams have in the past, this year’s version proved it too can win in a tournament setting on short rest.

“Even through our ups and downs this year, Michigan State’s known for pulling it together and finding a way to get here and finding a way to be great come March,” Trice said.

“Our thing now is we just need to bounce back heading into the tournament.”

To read the full story, visit statenews.com

Senior forward/guard Branden Dawson attempts to block Wisconsin senior Frank Kaminsky Sunday during the championship game of the Big Ten tournament against Wisconsin at United Center in Chicago. The Badgers defeated the Spartans in overtime, 80-69.

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MONDAY, MARC H 1 6 , 2 01 5

TH E STATE N E WS

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Crossword

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

March Madness

MSU looks ahead to tourney as No. 7 seed in east region

Across

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21 abbr.

Senior guard/ forward Branden Dawson takes a shot while being guarded by Ohio State freshman forward Jae’Sean Tate Sunday during the game against Ohio State at the Big Ten tournament at United Center in Chicago. The Spartans defeated the Buckeyes, 76-67. PHOTO:

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25 Ray orFriday Jay deals 24 Black Emcee’s aid line 28 Many a punch The Era of __: period in 29 __-weensy Notre Dame sports lore 30 Chinese cookware 30 Doesn’t Toon with a cat named 33 lose sleep over Bowser 34 New Orleans footballer 31 Satisfy 35 Oscar who quipped, 36 Health care orgs.

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Get the solutions at statenews.com/puzzles

KELSEY FELDPAUSCH

10 Indiana.

Izzo hadn’t seen the tournament bracket when he addressed the media, but said he felt the Big Ten was After falling to Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament hurt by early losses to teams such as Texas Southern championship round, MSU secured the No. 7 seed in the and Eastern Michigan.

But Izzo also said the Big Ten is better than he feels the NCAA tournament in the east region and will face No. 10 conference gets credit for. The selecGeorgia in Charlotte, North Carolina. tion committee seems to agree.

It’s the 18th consecutive NCAA bid “We’ve made some “When you lose and Purdue loses, for MSU, all under head coach Tom Indiana loses, Michigan loses to teams positive changes Izzo. we shouldn’t lose to one or two, I think Izzo said he had no immediate reacand steps toward then you never get in the rankings tion to the bid when he spoke to the what we want to because some of those teams could of, media less than an hour after the Wisbe, and that’s a should of been including us,” Izzo said. consin loss, but considering the Spar“And we never get in the rankings tans were considered a bubble team a Final Four team. and it hurts other teams like Wisconfew weeks ago, Izzo said he was glad We just get back to sin or Michigan State or Michigan or for the bid. work tomorrow.”

Illinois or Indiana … so we caused “I’m happy to be in, because three that and Michigan State caused some weeks ago everybody questioned that Junior guard Denzel of that. I think the Big Ten is a litand yet, I thought we did enough to Valentine, on the team’s tle better than we get credit for,” he be (in),” Izzo said. tournament goals added.

The top four teams in the East diviComing off a crushing loss in the sion are No. 1 Villanova, No. 2 Virginchampionship game, the Spartans ia, No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 4 Louisville. If MSU defeats Georgia in round one, they would will have little time to rest with the NCAA tournament face either No. 2 Virginia or No. 15 Belmont in the sec- approaching this weekend.

“We’ve made some positive changes and steps toward ond round.

The Big Ten tied the Big 12 with seven tournament what we want to be, and that’s a Final Four team,” junior bids, the highest total in the NCAA. Placing in the Big guard Denzel Valentine said. “We just get back to work Ten are No. 1 Wisconsin, No. 4 Maryland, No. 7 MSU, tomorrow after we find out who we play and realize that No. 7 Iowa, No. 9 Purdue, No. 10 Ohio State and No. we have to be smarter down the stretch.”

BY OMARI SANKOFA II

OSANKOFA@STATENEWS.COM

Level: 1

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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk SOLUTION TO TO SOLUTION THURSDAY’S SATURDAY’S PUZZLE FRIDAY’S PUZZLE

3/16/15 3/6/15

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THE STATE N E WS

MONDAY, MARCH 1 6 , 2 01 5

March Madness

Breaking down the greatest Spartan performances in NCAA tournament history

BY TROY JEFFERSON TJEFFERSON@STATENEWS.COM

The Spartans have made 29 NCAA tournament appearances, competed in eight Final Fours and have cut down the nets twice. Along the way there have been some memorable moments. Here’s a list of some of the top individual performances by round from past Spartans.

FIRST ROUND: ADREIAN PAYNE March 20, 2014 Payne started last year’s tournament off with a bang against Delaware in Spokane, Washington. The power forward, who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, set a program record for most points in an NCAA tournament game with 41. Payne made a living at the charity stripe, sinking all 17 of his free throws.

After the game, Delaware head coach Monte Ross called Payne “the best big man that I have faced in 21 years of college basketball.”

SECOND ROUND: GREG KELSER March 10, 1979 Before he was color commentating for the Pistons, Kelser was sinking buckets alongside Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

Against 10th seeded Lamar, Kelser scored 31 points and hauled in 14 rebounds en route to a 31-point Spartan victory. The forward would be named a third-team All-American that season and win a national championship.

REGIONAL SEMIFINAL: PAUL DAVIS March 25, 2005 The big man was pivotal for the Spartans, who upset No. 1 seeded Duke behind his 20 points and 12 rebounds. Davis, along with Drew Neitzel and Shannon Brown, would advance to the Final Four before being ousted by the North Carolina Tar Heels, a team that would go on to win the national championship. Davis enjoyed a brief stint in the NBA and now plays professionally in Russia.

REGIONAL FINAL: ANDRE HUTSON March 25, 2000 Andre Hutson never reached the stardom of teammates like Morris Peterson, Mateen Cleaves and Jason Richardson but against Iowa State, Hutson had his day in the sun. In just 24 minutes of action, Hutson scored 17 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out two assists. The Spartans won the game 75-64 and went on to win the national championship.

NATIONAL SEMIFINAL: EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON March 22, 1979 There can’t be a top list concerning MSU basketball without mentioning Johnson.

He had a great performance against No. 9 seeded Pennsylvania, posting a triple double to propel MSU to their first national championship appearance. He missed only one shot as he scored 29 points while adding 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Then-senior center Adreian Payne guards then-Harvard forward Kyle Casey on March 22, 2014 during the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans won, 80-73. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON March 24, 1979 Johnson followed up his strong outing in the national semifinals with

an equally impressive outing against the Larry Bird-led Indiana State Sycamores in a legendary national championship game that would spark one of the greatest NBA rivalries. John-

Izzo counts on former players for inspiration Current players and former players from different eras of Spartan basketball have always remained close under Tom Izzo, which he says is a key to their NCAA tournament success

BY JOHN NEIDHART JNEIDHART@STATENEWS.COM

March is what some may call the month after February. Others call it Izzo.

MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo has taken over tournament time, annually working magic on his teams and pumping out NCAA tournament runs.

His preparation, schemes and in-game adjustments are major reasons he’s been to six Final Fours and is likely headed to an 18th straight tournament. His team’s runs in March are rooted in deeper soil than just his coaching, however.

“It’s a culture that’s been developed, not by me, but by the players that played here before,” Izzo said. “I say it all

the time, but it’s (Earvin) ‘Magic’ (Johnson) calling in this week, it’s Steve Smith calling in. It’s still the same thing, and when they call me, they call the players. You know, like Denzel (Valentine) said it best in the locker room after, it’s what you expect here.”

Current players have a network of former Spartans to reach out to, but often they don’t need to.

Senior guard Travis Trice said he talked to Mateen Cleaves on Friday. He’s often in contact with Travis Walton and of course, Draymond Green. Texting with “Day Day” is an everyday occurrence, and Trice said that the current Golden State Warrior frequently has something to say in their group chat.

“That’s the one thing that

we really embrace at Michigan State,” Trice said. “ All the past guys talk to you, call you.

You have their numbers.”

Junior guard Denzel Valentine also said he talks to Green “all the time.” Valentine talked to Cleaves following MSU’s tournament opening win Friday and is “pretty sure Magic will hit us up soon.”

When they’re not speaking over the phone, it’s a face-toface meeting. For a Feb. 14 matchup against Ohio State, Gary Harris, Adreian Payne and Green were all in attendance.

Harris and Payne practiced with the team and Green addressed the team during halftime.

It helps a lot when success has been ingrained in MSU’s blood over the years. Green went to

two Final Fours and played in a championship game. Johnson had a stellar career as well, winning one NCAA title, five NBA titles and three NBA MVP awards.

Whether it’s venting, seeking advice or just talking hoops, Spartan alumni have provided a backbone of support that makes Izzo’s very demanding job as head coach a tad easier and has helped fuel some of these late-season runs.

“My staff has done an incredible job,” Izzo said. “I give them credit on the quick turnarounds, but boy, you’ve got to give all the players that were here before that still care enough about this program, and that’s made a difference why I think we’re good in March so far.”

son cemented his place in MSU lore, posting a game-high 24 points. He also had seven rebounds and five assists in a 75-64 winning effort, bringing the Spartans their first title.

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9

March Madness

Area bars see surge in business during tournament

BY JESSICA STEELEY JSTEELEY@STATENEWS.COM

March Madness has just begun. In the next few weeks of games, East Lansing bars are sure to be packed in upcoming weekends.

But which bars are the best for an optimal viewing experience?

T here’s always Buf falo Wild Wings. General manager Aaron Weiner said they’re known as the best sports bar in town, and the atmosphere helps to make it the best bar for March Madness.

“It’s a great place to be a Spartan fan, our crowds are … very loud and rowdy,” Weiner said. “We’ll be able to show every game going on at the same time. … Wherever you’re seated at, you’ll be able to see every game,” he said.

As for other sports bars in East Lansing, Peppino’s has 70 high-definition TVs and game specials during the weekend, including $4.99 select

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appetizers and $2 Bud Lights, manager Andy Sawatzki said.

“The atmosphere’s really cool, the last few games we’ve had a lot of people in here, big groups … a lot of go green, go white chants, that kind of thing, so it’s a pretty fun place to come watch the game,” Sawatzki said.

If fans want to get away from the main thoroughfare of East Lansing bars, they can try Reno’s East Side Sports Bar & Grill.

Reno’s has 68 beers on tap, and is known for their hurricanes and fishbowls, bar manager Karis Beaubier said.

They also have several TVs lining the walls and beams, which makes them visible from almost anywhere, and two bars on either side of the main room.

“It’s first and foremost a sports bar, so anytime a big sport, especially like MSU, we’ve got the volume going on for the game,” Beau-

MONDAY, MARCH 1 6 , 2 01 5

bier said. “It’s just a fun … great atmosphere … (to) be and hang around with all your friends, especially during a game,” she said.

Aside from the fun atmosphere created by March Madness, the bars managers said the event gives them plenty of business.

“I know last year that we did really well … we’ve been really busy for the first two tournament games,” Sawatzki said.

He said March Madness weekends are busier than normal weekends.

“It get so much busier,” Beaubier said. “This place is pretty packed during March Madness, especially during a State game.”

Weiner agrees the bar is packed during March Madness, especially the first two days, where he said it’s a tradition for people to skip class and work and come to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch basketball all day.

March is a busy time for local bars, and this year is no different.

Students and alumni watch the men’s basketball game against Ohio State Friday at Reno’s Sports Bar, 1310 Abbot Rd. Reno’s is a popular place for those who couldn’t travel to Chicago to watch the Big Ten tounament. PHOTO: ALICE KOLE

Opinion

Greg Monahan Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnewsopinion

After losing Payne, Appling and Harris, MSU basketball exceeding expectations

BY MATTHEW ARGILLANDER MARGILLANDER@STATENEWS.COM

DEON HOWARD L A S T W E E K ’ S R E S U LT S

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The 2014-2015 men’s basketball team is in a transition year. However, despite being unranked, the team has made yet another NCAA tournament.

After a year in which the Spartans were looked at as a national championship favorite, and even the president picked MSU to win, fans have to taper their expectations for the team.

MSU lost three major contributors to last year’s team, including the No. 15 overall pick in the NBA draft Adreian Payne, the No. 19 overall pick Gary Harris and Keith Appling. Despite losing three key starters, the Spartans are going back to the NCAA tournament for the 18th year in a row.

The team definitely had some questionable losses for a typical Spartan basketball squad, as evident in these final scores: 71-64 on Dec. 20 to Texas Southern, 79-77 on Jan. 24 to Nebraska, 59-54 at home on Feb. 7 to Illinois and 96-90 at home on Feb. 26 to Minnesota.

After three of those four losses, the team responded with a win. There is a resiliency to this year’s MSU squad that has pushed the team through some rough stretches in the season.

The Spartans’ 18th straight tournament appearance moves MSU into a tie for the fourth longest consecutive NCAA tournament appearance streak.

What teams are ahead of MSU? MSU has now tied Indiana, a team that went to 18 straight from 1986 to 2003. In 15 of those tournaments, legendary Bob Knight coached the team.

Next up is Duke at No. 3, as they now have 20.

The Blue Devils’ streak began in 1996 and all of these appearances have been under head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

At No. 2 is Kansas, which has now made 26 straight appearances since 1990, with head coach Bill Self at the helm for 12 of those seasons.

The top spot goes to North Carolina with 27 straight appearances ranging from 1975 to 2001.

The late Dean Smith is responsible for 23 of the 27.

This is why the negative opinions about this MSU team bother me. Most teams will never experience consistency like the Spartans have under Izzo.

Are the Spartans going to win a national championship this year? More than likely, no. But that doesn’t mean MSU fans shouldn’t appreciate how special this streak is.

Regular national championship expectations have spoiled the fan base.

Next time you are prepared to say this team isn’t any good, think about all of the graduating classes that have never seen the Spartans miss the tournament. Think about the fact that fellow Big Ten opponent Northwestern has never been to an NCAA tournament. This kind of success is hard to come by, and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

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11

March Madness March hasn’t been without some disappointing moments

BY JONATHON CHUN JCHUN@STATENEWS.COM

When a basketball program has made the NCAA tournament 18 consecutive seasons and 29 overall, there are bound to be a few disappointments.

Even though the good far outweighs the bad in this instance, sometimes it is those rare, early exits that stick with coaches, players and fans the longest.

MSU basketball boasts an impressive 59-27 overall record in the NCAA tournament. Of those 27 losses, here are the three that were the most disappointing.

3) 2014 – ELITE EIGHT – LOST TO NO. 7 CONNECTICUT 60-54 While it seems hard to call a No. 4 seed reaching the Elite Eight a disappointment, MSU was actually one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Even President Barack Obama picked the Spartans to go all the way in his bracket. Some people were calling this

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team Izzo’s best chance to win another national championship.

The Spartans finally got healthy and started hitting their stride late in the season. They won the Big Ten tournament and took down No. 1 seed Virginia in the Sweet Sixteen. All that was standing in the way of Izzo’s seventh Final Four was No. 7 seed Connecticut.

The Huskies would go on to defeat MSU 60-54 and win the NCAA championship.

2) 2011 – FIRST ROUND – LOST TO NO. 7 UCLA 78-76 While 2010-2011 was an underwhelming season in general for MSU, it still had the talent — and Izzo — to make some think it could spark some magic in March. The Spartans entered the tournament as a No. 10 seed and had a first-round matchup with UCLA. Even though MSU finished the regular season 19-15 overall and had a .500 record in conference, the roster still boasted names such as Kalin Lucas,

MONDAY, MARCH 1 6 , 2 01 5

Durrell Summers, Draymond Green and two freshmen — Keith Appling and Adreian Payne.

What made the two-point loss even more heartbreaking for the Spartans was they had found themselves down by as much as 23 points in the second half. Draymond Green finished with just the seventh official triple-double in NCAA tournament history. After making the Final Four the two previous years, the Spartans were sent home on the first weekend.

1) 1995 – FIRST ROUND – LOST TO NO. 14 WEBER STATE 79-72 The Spartans went 22-6 in the regular season and earned themselves a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. MSU was led by the future-NBA backcourt of Eric Snow and Shawn Respert and finished second in the Big Ten. Still, the Spartans lost to Big Sky tournament champions — a game where they were outscored by 16 points in the second half.

Then-junior forward Delvon Roe reacts after being called for a foul in the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on March 17, 2011, at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO

What made this particular loss so disappointing was the fact Jud Heathcote was coaching his last game at MSU. Heathcote had announced his plan for retirement

before the tournament started. Many thought that the Spartans would go out and play inspired basketball for their head coach, but it wasn’t enough.