The Michigan State Spartans beat the University of Connecticut in a thrilling 82-76 victory Saturday evening.  There were 72,456 fans who filled Ford Field in Detroit to watch what was expected to be a complete routing of the Spartans, turned out to be a close and exciting victory for MSU.  Kalin Lucas led the Spartans with 21 points followed by Raymar Morgan scoring 18.

Morgan, noted by University of Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun as the MSU player he most coveted, played a strong defensive game. 

With the toughness and integrity of Big 10 basketball being questioned, Spartan coach Tom Izzo responded by leading his team to its fifth final four appearance and third appearance in the finals during his 14 year stint.  Michigan State will face the University of North Carolina who beat Villanova 83 to 69.

If Michigan State continues to stay healthy, they have a shot against the University of North Carolina whom they play on Monday night at around 9pm.