GAME THREAD: MICHIGAN STATE VS. PURDUE

So, it hasn't been the best day so far for MSU's bid chances. Viz.:

• Michigan finished the game on a 21-4 run to beat Illinois. Michigan essentially clinches a tournament bid, and Illinois is probably still in good shape (even though their profile is remarkably similar to MSU's).
• Alabama beat Georgia. Both teams are likely to make the tournament now.
• Dayton beat Xavier. Normally we're all about Brian Gregory's team, but he certainly didn't do us a solid by probably creating an additional bid for the A-10.

On a more positive note, Clemson and North Carolina won, but those good results certainly don't cancel out the bad things that have happened so far today.

Obviously, MSU can end the discussion entirely with a win against Purdue. Rexrode has this bit of encouraging news:

Just watched Kalin Lucas shooting around on the court, and he looked pretty good on that right ankle. He's starting tonight.

Purdue is very good but not invulnerable, as Iowa demonstrated last weekend. Win and the tournament streak's intact. Lose, and none of us will have fingernails left by Sunday evening. Do it for our health, Spartans.

GO STATE, BEAT THE BOILERS.