FOX 17 NEWS (March 29, 2014) – Friday was a big night for March Madness in Michigan, after both Michigan and Michigan State advanced into the Elite Eight, after winning games that kept fans wide-eyed on the edge of their seats.
“The last 10 seconds were very suspenseful, it’s one of the most intense games I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Max, a Michigan fan.
Michigan came on top of a last-minute comeback against Tennessee to win the game 73 to 71.
“Definitely a nail biter I was on the edge of my seat the entire game,” said Karen, a Michigan fan.
Then equally exciting later in the night was Michigan State versus top-seeded Virginia. The Spartans won 61 to 59 then students didn’t wait long to celebrate in the streets.
“I think we’re one of the best teams in the country, so I think we got this. National championship or bust, not Final Four, we’re going all the way,” said Patrick Seurynck, MSU sophomore.
Students showed FOX 17 News emails from MSU and apartment management from weeks prior that reminded Spartans to be responsible and act with class throughout the championship. Friday night into Saturday morning there was a strong presence of campus, city and state police along with apartment building security patrolling off-campus neighborhoods.
Moore’s Security guard Sabrina Falos said she experienced previous rioting near MSU’s campus and understands it takes a lot of planning to deter this kind of behavior. Falos said she and multiple security teams near campus met repeatedly to hash out a plan in case any issues erupted after the games.
“Oh it’s way better, they’re really doing good. You’re doing good,” Falos told nearby MSU students.
Other officials monitoring the neighborhood said the police presence made a difference after Friday night’s game.
“There was an email sent out to all the students saying to celebrate with class, so that probably has an effect on it. And there are police at every 50 feet, so I think that kind of keeps everyone tame, but it’s been good so far,” said Alex Sumnick, an MSU resident manager.
Onto the Elite Eight kicking off Sunday: fourth seed Michigan State Spartans face seventh seed Connecticut Huskies at 2:20 P.M.; then second seed Michigan Wolverines take on eighth seed Kentucky Wildcats at 5:05 P.M March 30.
