November 26, 2010

Men’s basketball to hoop it up against No. 2 Michigan State

In a match-up against the second-highest ranked opponent ever faced by the Tennessee Tech men’s basketball program, the Golden Eagle ballers will tip off against the No. 2 ranked Michigan State Spartans on Sunday at noon.

Weekly Game Notes

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With more than a week off between game days, the Golden Eagle basketball team is preparing to take on the Spartans of Michigan State, on Sunday at 12 p.m. in East Lansing. Ranked at No. 2 in the nation, MSU will be the second-highest ranked opponent ever faced by the Tech men’s basketball program. Last year Tech visited No. 1 Kansas.

The unconventional amount of rest time came unexpectedly, when Tech’s BracketBuster rematch against Appalachian State was cancelled on Tuesday evening. As per the BracketBuster contract, the Southern Conference was responsible for providing referees for Tuesday night’s event. The conference failed to do so, causing a need to cancel the game and giving Tech seven full days off from competitive play between games.

With the ASU game suspended, the Golden Eagles will be coming off of a 73-60 loss at East Tennessee last Saturday, leaving the Golden Eagles 0-2. Michigan State, after starting their season 5-0, fell at the hands of UConn Tuesday night in the second game of the Maui Invitational. Tom Izzo's squad rebounded with a 76-71 win over Washington and will enter the Sunday matinee contest at 6-1.

Tech has only matched up against Michigan State once, back in the 2005-06 season. The Spartans took a 17-point victory, 80-63.

“Playing in East Lansing is a great opportunity for our guys,” head coach Mike Sutton said. “Going up against a team that has a chance to go very deep in the NCAA tournament gives us a chance to learn from some of the best players in college basketball right now.

“It’s great exposure for Tennessee Tech as well,” Sutton continued. “Playing Michigan State will open a lot of people’s eyes to our program and give us a chance to showcase our talent.”

Fans who won’t be in East Lansing can listen to the Golden Eagle Sports Network with Roger Ealey calling the action for broadcasts in the mid-state region. The game can also be heard on Free Teamline on the Internet or telephone.