Exhibit - 1978-1979 MSU Men's Basketball Team
1978-1979 was a great season for the MSU Men's Basketball team, coached by Jud Heathcote. The team was co-captained by sophomore Earvin "Magic" Johnson and senior Greg Kelser. MSU finished the season 26-6, and tied for first place in the Big Ten. During the NCAA Division I tournament, Michigan State beat Lamar University, Louisiana State University, Notre Dame, and the University of Pennsylvania. On March 26, 1979, MSU defeated number 1 ranked and undefeated Indiana State 75-64 to become the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Champions. It was the Spartans first National Championship in basketball. Magic Johnson was named the Most Outstanding Player. By some accounts, the game also marked the beginning of the rivalry between Johnson and Larry Bird, which would carry on to their careers in the NBA.
Related Objects
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 Magic Johnson jumps to receive ball, 1979 January 1979 Image: jpg MSU Archives and Historical Collections |  |  Magic Johnson with Sporting News Trophy, 1979 May 2, 1979 Image: jpg MSU Archives and Historical Collections |
 |  |  MSU Basketball vs. Cal State Fullerton, 1978 (clips) December 9, 1978 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |
 MSU Basketball vs. Cal State Fullerton, 1978 (complete game) December 9, 1978 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |  MSU Basketball vs. Central Michigan, 1978 November 27, 1978 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |  MSU Basketball vs. Cincinnati, 1978 December 19, 1978 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |
 MSU Basketball vs. LSU, NCAA Men's Division I Regional Semifinals, 1979 March 16, 1979 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |  MSU Basketball vs. Minnesota (home), 1979 January 6, 1979 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |  MSU Basketball vs. Northwestern (home), 1979 February 3, 1979 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |
 MSU Basketball vs. Purdue (home), 1979 February 22, 1979 Video: mp4 MSU Archives and Historical Collections |  |  |
 |  Ron Charles Going up for the Dunk, 1979 January 1979 Image: jpg MSU Archives and Historical Collections |  Terry Donnelly Preparing to Shoot, 1979 February 1979 Image: jpg MSU Archives and Historical Collections |
