The men’s tennis team played in the morning in its first home sporting event since the university canceled all competitions scheduled on campus for the week. It hosted the No. 8 Maryland women’s basketball team at 3 p.m., the second event of the day.
Despite a picturesque afternoon with clear skies, few people were walking around and the area was quiet. Two minutes from the basketball court at Breslin Center, the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center had three flags in front of it—Michigan State, Michigan State, and U.S.—at half-staff. At the Breslin Center, a lackluster feeling permeated the proceedings as everyone went about their pre-game business. There were not many audible laughs or people joking. Michigan State players went through their stretches and drills in labor-oriented fashion with few smiles or chatter. About 45 minutes into the game, the Spartans huddled but quietly went through their paces.
The Spartans wore white shirts with green lettering that read “Spartan Strong”. Maryland players, coaches, and staff wore orange and green ribbons—orange for gun violence awareness, and green for MSU.
Pre-match activities included moments of remembrance. Michigan State’s director of in-game recreation gave a short speech thanking the crowd that turned out, concluding with “Together we are Spartan strong, forever”. There was a moment of silence before the national anthem. The PA announcer thanked the first responders as the Spartans players stood shoulder to shoulder with arms crossed, most staring straight ahead expressionless. Several players can be seen wiping their eyes, one obviously asking the other, “Are you okay?”
Michigan State returned to practice Thursday, and players have the option to participate. The Brooklyn Rewers’ starting linebackers elected not to play in Saturday’s game. Maryland overcame a slow start to prevail, 66-61.
