MSU to Spartan Fans: Don't Riot in Opening Bracket of 2015 NCAA Sweet Sixteen Play

Michigan State University officials are warning students not to riot in advance of the Spartans’ Sweet Sixteen game in the 2015 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The Spartans face Oklahoma University in the opening bracket of the Sweet Sixteen. The game will be played at Syracuse, NY, but large watch parties are expected in the East Lansing area, according to a report on WDIV-TV.

The game, to be played at 10:07 p.m. EDT, will be broadcast on TBS and the Spartan Sports Network.

In 2005, when the Spartans lost in Final Four play, fans caused thousands of dollars damage, according to university officials, who said fans have a history of “destructive gatherings and burning furniture” around sporting events.

Riots also were reported during 2008 at the non-sports Cedar Fest event, and again in 2013 when some off-campus celebrations got out of hand after Michigan State’s football beat Ohio State in the Big Ten football championship game.

University officials are offering the pre-emptive warning in what could be an extended post-season for the Spartans. Oddsmakers predict Michigan State, along with Duke, Kentucky and Arizona, are the most likely teams to reach the Final Four, according to a report on sportsbettingdime.com.

“Taking part in destructive gatherings and burning furniture are NOT Spartan traditions,” a university pamphlet reads. “These types of events are an embarrassment to our community and our university. Don’t allow your degree to be devalued.”

» Get more information about Michigan State’s NCAA berth.

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