.4 Page 14 - The Michigan Doily-- Friday, February 13, 1987 Strugging Spartans to battle Blue By SCOTT G. MILLER The 1986-87 basketball season cannot end soon enough for Michigan State. Spartan head coach Jud Heathcote has labeled the campaign the "most disappointing" in his tenure at East Lansing. While a win against Michigan this Sunday at Jenison Field House (2:00 p.m., ABC-TV) will not salvage the year, it would help soothe the Spartans' disappoint- ment. "Our kids haven't quit," said 14eathcote. "They practice hard, and there's some talk about winning." MICHIGAN STATE (8-12 overall, 3-7 Big Ten) needs less talk and more action. After last season's third-place conference finish, high expectations permeated the Spartan program. A lack of leadership and inside scorers have caused Heath- cote's problems. "Maybe we were spoiled with Scott Skiles the last two years," said Heathcote. Guard Darryl Johnson, the Big Ten's fifth-leading scorer, averages 22 points per game. But the senior three-guard offense because of erratic play from forwards Carlton Valentine and Bobby Worthington (11.2) and center George Papadakos. Vernon Carr (13.3) and Kirk Manns (8.1) join Johnson in the backcourt. 'Our kids haven't quit. They practice hard, and there's some talk about winning. -Michigan State basketball coach Jud Heathcote can't get up for the Michigan game, you shouldn't be wearing the Spartan uniform." Michigan head coach Bill Frieder also expects an improved contest. "It should be a great game. (Dick) Vitale is doing (ABC color commentary), and he'll make it good," said Frieder. "He'll make it good if it isn't good." Despite road losses at Ohio State and Indiana, Frieder cannot complain about his team's performance. With 15 victories, the Wolverines need only three or four more wins to guarantee an NCAA appearance, according to the Michigan coach. "We have four teams coming up that are in the second division," said Frieder, "so we have to take care of business. If we do, we'll be in good shape going into the tournament." GARY GRANT should be in better shape for the Michigan State game. Leg strains hampered the junior guard last week. Grant and his teammates are rested after taking Monday and Tuesday of this week off. A healthy Grant could increase the Spartans' misery. "Grant makes it difficult for DJ," said Heathcote. "(Grant) is the best defensive player in the conference." has not matched his preseason All- America billing. "I don't want to downplay the year he has had," said Heathcote. "But for us to have a better year, we needed DJ to have a better year." THE SPARTANS employ a Earlier in the year, the Wolverines' three-guard offense provided the Spartans with one of their many disappointing losses of the season. Michigan (15-8, 6-5) won 74-70. "The second half was a typical Michigan-Michigan State game," said Heathcote, "while the first half looked like two teams sleeping through an ordeal." Heathcote prays for a better game on Sunday. "WE'RE HOPING for more emotion, excitement, and enthu- siasm from our standpoint," said the Spartan head coach. "If you SweetheartDel Ti eeend, twatyourValentinetoasweetheart da PoThndersa.EeydSher includesbaked potato,all-you-can- eat SaladBuffetwith hot vegetables, tuwhotsoups andfruit.T Mea StekM wT p I 2 6 $499 $ 9 Inclues Slad Bffetwith ot UIncludes Salad Buffet with Hot YuCIfE~ Spotude (aladyoufanet) ani bakd Sot (l-O-anet n bkd U 1 A , o.-S at. U Spt alyucnet n ae Sptat-yucnetadbkd 1ato. Cannot be used with other 15d pot at. anTnot e usd wtotheor dicnnt b se wThxo ther 5u Idiscounts. Tax not incl.Coupon d sout.Txnti C ouodcorn tys ntmie opo *good for any party size. good for any party 1IeIgo a n at ie 3 At participatng stakhlouss. 3 Atpaicatn steakhouss. At partcpatig steakhouses. I VldEutR /18 #221 Valid until 3h/81 #4I. Valid until2187 al- m m -m- - m '5 3354 E. Washtenaw Ave. On West Stadium Blvd. (Across from ArborandEShpg.COr) (Just North of Stadium & Liberty) NON-STOP COPY SHOP } Kinko's is open 24 hours. Come in anytime for fast service, outstanding quality, and low, low prices. kinkos Great copies. Great people. 540 E. Liberty St. 761-4539 Corner of Maynard & Liberty D aily Photo by JOHN MUNSON Michigan senior guard Antoine Joubert shoots over an Iowa defender in a recent contest. Joubert and his Wolverine teammates hope to end their two-game slump at the expense of Michigan State. ,.... ..................*...O.@@ " " " " " " " " " " e : . S S S .0 - FREE PLAY QST18ALL AETE s f i i f 0 t. t .> 0 0 + S I There's a family feeling at PNDEROSA PONDEROSA1 ©@1987 Ponderosa, Inc. ANN ARBOR'S FINEST VIDEO & PINBALL 254 Candy * 254 Pop * Ann Arbor's Only Instant Photo Booth * Pool Table * Foosball " 603 E. William St., Above Stereo Shoppe " On South University Next to Middle Earth hi " Limit 1/Person/day " Not valid Fri. & Sot. 7 p.m.-Midnig *SSSSS000000000000000000000..S.'