March 24, 1979 is a momentous day in Michigan State Men’s Basketball history, as noted today by Phil Friend of the Lansing State Journal. On this day in history, the No. 2 ranked Spartans picked up their first ever Final Four victory against No. 9 Pennsylvania in a massive 101 – 67 victory in the National Semifinal.
This was nothing short than a beatdown, with MSU leading Penn 50-17 at halftime. Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson recorded a triple-double (29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) and Gregory Kelser added 28 points and 9 rebounds.
The Spartans would go on to beat Larry Bird and Indiana State 75-64 in the championship game to earn their first national title, the only championship of the Jud Heathcote era.
You can watch the highlights below:
