#4 MSU basketball stunned by Hawai’i
Head coach Tom Izzo wasn’t looking forward to playing Hawai’i, and on Saturday his concerns were justified as Michigan State’s 2005-06 regular season got off to an unpleasant start. With Spartan players cramping up in the humid Honolulu air and the Rainbow Warriors seemingly unable to do any wrong, Hawai’i rolled to a 84-62 victory.
The Spartans particularly struggled from behind the arc, connecting on just 5 of 20 three-point shots.
Paul Davis and Shannon Brown experienced severe cramping, keeping them off the court during much of the second half. Brown even had to be taken out of the game on a stretcher at one point.
Because of the cramping issues, Izzo was forced to go deep into his bench, and the Spartans were unable to develop any chemistry during a disastrous second half.
Additionally, Drew Neitzel left the game late with a noticeable limp, to the sounds of Hawai’i fans cheering, “Over-rated!”
Tonight’s loss is a disappointment for MSU fans who were hoping to soothe pains from the football team’s defeat against Penn State earlier in the day.
MSU basketball will be back in action on Monday for the Maui Invitational. The Spartans will play Division-II Chaminade.