Michigan State 75, Indiana State 64
Michigan State 101, Pennsylvania 67
The 1978-79 season was truly a magical one for Coach Jud Heathcote and his Michigan State Spartans. Blending a perfect combination of individual ability, enthusiasm and teamwork, Heathcote formed a cohesive unit that captivated the nation and sellout crowds at Jenison Field House.
The 1978-79 season was truly a magical one for Coach Jud Heathcote and his Michigan State Spartans. Blending a perfect combination of individual ability, enthusiasm and teamwork, Heathcote formed a cohesive unit that captivated the nation and sellout crowds at Jenison Field House.
The Spartans compiled a 26-6 overall record and went 13-5 in the Big Ten to share the league crown with Purdue and Iowa.
State steamrolled through the NCAA Tournament, ending the season on top of the college basketball world with a 75-64 victory over Larry Bird and unbeaten Indiana State. The 1978-79 squad gathered at Jenison Field House on Aug. 12, 1989, to play one more game against a team of former Spartan All-Stars. On a hot, sweltering night, the National Championship squad, led by Earvin Johnson’s 25 points and 17 rebounds, topped the All-Stars, 95-93, before a sellout crowd of 10,004.
