MSU and Michigan players, fans join together in moment of silence to honor shooting victims

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In its first game since a campus shooting claimed the lives of three students earlier this week, Michigan State fell just shy of a win against its rival Saturday night in an effort that head coach Tom Izzo said was aimed at trying to help students and alumni briefly escape the reality of a tragic week for the school.

«We played the game many people back in East Lansing and around the world that are Michigan State alums escape for two hours,» Izzo said after Michigan's 84-72 win. «I thought for the most part we did our part. They just did it a little better.»

The Spartans received a warm welcome to the campus of their in-state foe prior to tip-off. Michigan's team and its student section wore special shirts to show support for Michigan State, and fans greeted the visitors with a standing ovation when they took the court to warm up.

Both teams observed a lengthy moment of silence in an arena bathed in green lights before the Michigan pep band played Michigan State's alma mater while students held up a «Spartan Strong» flag. The heads of both schools' student government also met at midcourt in a show of solidarity. Head coach Tom Izzo teared up while standing with his team in «Spartan Strong» T-shirts during the pre-game ceremony.

Thank you, <a href=«https://twitter.com/umichbball?ref_src=» https:>@umichbball

and <a href=«https://twitter.com/UMichAthletics?ref_src=» https:>@UMichAthletics