Michigan State 89, Florida 76
Michigan State 53, Wisconsin 41
Tom Izzo repeatedly talked to his team about leaving its mark on the program. The 1999-2000 Spartans did more than leave their mark; they set the standard by which all future Michigan State teams would be measured.
Part of being a champion is winning titles, which the Spartans accomplished in winning the National Championship, a third straight Big Ten Championship and a second consecutive Big Ten Tournament title. Michigan State’s three consecutive conference crowns marked only the eighth time in league history that a team has won three straight titles.
A champion is also measuredby its character. The Spartans displayed their relentless spirit in overcoming many different forms of adversity during the season. From playing the first 13 games of the season without All-America guard Mateen Cleaves to fighting back from significant second-half deficits in three NCAA Tournament games, Michigan State played with contagious emotion.
Finishing the season 32-7, the Spartans capped their championship run with an 89-76 victory over Florida on April 3, 2000, in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Michigan State became the first championship team to defeat all six of its NCAA opponents by double figures since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams.
