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Leave it to Cleaves

Spartan endures injury, earns title he sought

Michigan State's affable senior point guard scored 18 points to help Michigan State build an early lead in its eventual 89-76 victory over Florida. Cleaves would not score again after suffering a high ankle sprain that sent him to the locker room for four-plus minutes, but SI's Grant Wahl says just by coming back, Cleaves lifted the Spartans to the national title.

  • Closer Look: Unlikely Chappell hits crucial shot
  • SI Postcard: Michigan State's guardian angel
  • Unsung hero Granger gives MSU unexpected lift
  • Spartans' Peterson delivers inspired performance
  • SI Photo Essay: State of siege
  • Photo Gallery: Spartans rise

    Florida's press no match for Spartans' speed
    Michigan State adjusted its game to handle the Gators' quicker tempo.
    FULL STORY

    CBS sets record-low ratings for NCAA finals
    The national rating for the final was 14.1, the lowest since 1982.
    FULL STORY

    Notebook: MSU seniors wouldn't settle for second
    Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson returned to claim a title.
    FULL STORY

    Gators eaten up by mistakes, inexperience
    Florida failed in its first trip to the national championship game.
    FULL STORY

    East Lansing takes to street to celebrate emotional title
    Crowds also flooded Breslin Center floor before the game ended.
    FULL STORY

    Bad game could change Miller's future plans
    The Gators' sophomore had said he may leave early for the NBA.
    FULL STORY

    No sunshine for Florida fans in Gainesville
    The Gators' supporters were well-behaved despite the loss.
    FULL STORY


    First round, recaps and box scores
    East | South | Midwest | West
    Second Round, recaps and box scores
    East | South | Midwest | West
    Sweet 16, recaps and box scores
    East | South | Midwest | West
    Elite Eight, recaps and box scores
    East | South | Midwest | West

    From CNNSI.com
    Wisconsin dreamin'
    Wisconsin winning with system, not sizzle
    Tar Heels learn best offense is good defense

    More Stories
    Gators, Spartans send messages to loved ones
    Notebook: Poor dome shooting overblown
    Spartans badger Wisconsin to reach title game
    Gators wear down UNC 71-59
    Donovan creates place at 'football' school
    Semifinal TV ratings down from '99
    Notebook: Donovan joins elite group
    SI's Davis: Miller considering pros
    Coaches, lawmakers unite against gambling
    Izzo's contract filled with incentives
    Odd outcomes produce funky four

    Player spotlights
    Donnell Harvey, Florida
    Charlie Bell, Michigan State
    Julius Peppers, N. Carolina
    Mike Kelley, Wisconsin
    Andy Kowske, Wisconsin
    Doug Gottlieb, Oklahoma St.
    Jamaal Tinsley, Iowa State
    Jerome Moiso, UCLA
    Jason Hart, Syracuse
    Matt Santangelo, Gonzaga
    Frank Williams, Illinois

    Multimedia
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    Photo galleries


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  •  

    CNNSI.com's Kevin O'Neill
    Spartans live up to expectations

    CNNSI.com's John Donovan
    Bennett faces tough call

    What was the Spartans' defining moment?
    Dec. 1: Beat UNC with Cleaves hurt
    Feb. 5: Rout defending champ UConn
    Mar. 4: Win Big Ten by crushing Michigan
    Mar. 25: Rally to beat Iowa St. in Elite 8
    Apr. 3: Beat Florida for national title

    View Results

    SI's Grant Wahl
    Gators wear you down
    MSU ugly, Wisconsin uglier

    SI's Alex Wolff
    Shedding light on Knight

    SI's Tim Layden
    Gambling lessons

    Expert brackets
    SI Writers

    More CNNSI.com in Indy
    Final at a Glance
    MSU ready to run
    Gators could pounce
    Sunday at a Glance
    Closer Look: Cota's fourth dooms Heels
    Saturday at a Glance
    Friday at a Glance

    SI Postcards
    The longest day
    Cota still a winner
    Navigating the sea of sweatsuits
    More

    SI Photo Essays
    Florida
    Michigan St.
    UNC
    Wisconsin

    Photo galleries
    Final Four
    Elite Eight
    Sweet 16
    First round
    Second round

    Statitudes
    Florida's double-play attempt
    Donovan's feat

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    2001 Final Four
    Ticket application

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