There has been a recent buzz in the East Lansing sports world. The cause — discussions of bringing the grid iron rivalry between Michigan State and Notre Dame onto the basketball court.

Wouldn't that be great.

But, the earliest the "new" rivalry would kick off would be next season.

Unless MSU and Notre Dame meet in the NCAA Tournament, the 2002 college hoops season will go without a heart-throbbing MSU/ND matchup.

That begs my question: On a neutral court, who would win between MSU and Notre Dame this year?

Notre Dame fans would bring in the obvious argument — a 19-5 record compared to a 14-9 mark would give the Irish an obvious advantage. Irish faithful would probably also point out the fact MSU lost to Toledo — at home of all places — and that is a very valid argument.

Spartan fans don't have much to counter with because of a subpar Big Ten record, but they do have one point. The teams have one game in common — a road contest against Kentucky.

The Spartans not only hung with the Wildcats for 40 minutes, they walked out of Rupp Arena with a 71-67 win. Notre Dame, on the other hand, was dominated for 40 minutes.

But, the fact remains, what is the tell tale?

Could Notre Dame's Chris Thomas and Matt Carroll provide enough of a 3-point barrage to down the Spartans?

For the Spartans, would Chris Hill's invincibility beyond the 3-point arc and Paul Davis and Erazem Lorbek's inside game be enough to give Michigan State an edge?

Only time will tell, but I sure hope the teams can start the rivalry this year in the NCAA Tourmanet.

Chris Mackinder

Michigan State student

Feb. 17

• 3 ways to lose your non-existent lover
  
• What marathon running is
  
• A defense against allegations of unilateralism
  
• Clarifying the meaning and spirit of V-Day
  
• Notre Dame or MSU?