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Spartans eager to end McKale streak

CHICAGO - The Michigan State Spartans pose the most dangerous threat to Arizona's 35-game home winning streak when the two teams meet at McKale Center on Saturday.

The No. 4 Spartans improved to 7-1 after a 66-54 win over Kansas at the Great Eight Classic last night, despite losing their top player, senior point guard Mateen Cleaves, to a foot injury before the season started.

Cleaves is expected to return later this month, but has been relegated to a role as the team's cheerleader and fourth assistant coach.

"Unfortunately, (Cleaves' return) will not be when we come down there," MSU head coach Tom Izzo said.

In the meantime, the Spartans are looking for a true point guard to fill Cleaves' shoes. Junior David Thomas and senior guard Charlie Bell are not natural point guards, and, as a result, are having trouble leading Michigan State in transition.

"It's tough for the whole team," Bell said. "Everybody has to play different roles and sometimes it's kind of hard. Last year, at times like this, Mateen stepped up and put us on his shoulders. Now, with him gone, someone else has to do that."

Senior forward Morris Peterson can go inside and out, but struggled against the Jayhawks last night, shooting 3-for-14 for 10 points. Senior forward A.J. Granger had 13 points and nine rebounds.

Coming off the bench for the Spartans are slashing guards Mike Chappell and Jason Richardson along with forward Al Anagonye.

Like Arizona, Michigan State likes to run. Izzo caught a peek at Arizona during last night's game against Connecticut to get an idea of what to expect.

"I have seen them on TV and that didn't help too well," Izzo said. "They really have a great team. The opportunity to see a team in person is better, but they may be the most athletic team I have seen."

Aside from North Carolina, the Spartans have not seen a team who can run like the UA. But Michigan State's suffocating defense, which has held opponents this season to less than 60 points a game in eight games, may be able to control Arizona's athletic ability.

"I don't think there's any question that they and Cincinnati are two of the best teams, and that's even without Cleaves," UA head coach Lute Olson said. "Defensively, they get in your jersey and don't allow you to do anything."

"We just hope being back at McKale and getting the crowd support behind us (helps)," Olson added.