EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -East Lansing police said eight people have been arrested for offenses including starting fires, disorderly conduct and indecent exposure on Saturday as Michigan State defeated Connecticut 82-73 at the Final Four.
“For the most part, the crowd has been very good,” said Lt. Kevin Daley of the East Lansing Police Department.
Downtown East Lansing bars were filling up and police were keeping a close watch on neighborhoods near campus.
Thousands of Spartans faithful stayed close to campus, roughly 90 miles west of the game at Ford Field, to watch the game.
A few thousand watched on scoreboard screens at the Breslin Center, Michigan State’s on-campus arena. Thousands more watched in downtown bars, dorm rooms and family living rooms – including a few who set up outdoor theaters on a brisk early April evening.
much-needed break from the bleak economic news that has dominated the auto industry and the rest of the state for the past few years. Michigan’s jobless rate, 12 percent in February, is highest in the nation.
“We’re underdogs, but this can do wonders for the spirit of Michigan,” said Terry Halm, 57, a teacher from Kalamazoo who watched the game at Breslin.
“People are always looking for something to cheer when they need something to cheer,” said Sarah Nemanic, 35, who is on the Michigan State veterinary school staff.
Heck, Nemanic isn’t even a basketball fan.
“We’re just here for the excitement,” she said as the Breslin Center crowed roared after a Michigan State basket late in Saturday’s game.
Breslin will be open again Monday when the Spartans face either North Carolina or Villanova for the national championship.
The Spartans are in the Final Four for the fifth time under coach Tom Izzo, who won a national title in 2000. But this season offers a rare opportunity for a team to play for one in its home state, and the Spartans have seized the moment.
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