The Columbia Lions roar, and the Spartans narrowly escape an upset

I thought that tonight, I'd be able to relax on the couch, glass of wine in hand, and casually enjoy a Spartan basketball blowout of Columbia. Little did I know that MSU would play sloppy, uninspired basketball against an efficient, disciplined, and fearless Columbia Lions squad, and that the two teams would be engaged in a life-and-death struggle that was not decided until the last two minutes of the game. Meanwhile, yours truly felt his blood pressure rising in the second half as he hurled angry, colorful oaths at the television screen.

I suppose the bottom line is that, when it mattered, the Spartans did enough to win. They may have learned some valuable lessons along the way. First, the target on their backs is larger than it usually is and they'd better get used to it. Second, they should never underestimate or disrespect an opponent. I hope that this scare against Columbia will be beneficial in the long run.