Michigan State men’s basketball is already 12 games into its season, and while it’s already more than a third of the way through, the true test is only about to start.

The Spartans have certainly been battle tested, and with a win over Western Michigan on Monday, they would set themselves up nicely going into the new year. In order for them to continue to excel when they resume Big Ten play next week, they will need to continue to do what’s gotten them to the No. 18 spot in the nation: excelling as a team.

Everyone seems to be playing well right now, and it’s that unselfish team play that has led to their strong start.

On this episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, our Aidan Champion tells host Bryan Anthony Davis who he thinks has impressed so far this season, as well as who still needs to step up.

You can watch the epsiode below:

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo addressed the media on Saturday as he and his team get ready for their home matchup with Western Michigan. Below is a partial transcript from his media availability:

Q: How do you keep the team in-sync right now?

Izzo: “Yeah, I’m normally not — I’m more of a pessimist than an optimist, but we came back, we had a great practice the 26th for like an hour and 15, and then, we went two-a-days yesterday, had two really good practices, and today was phenomenal. At the end, we got a little tired, which we should, and now we’re into one-a-days with some meetings. But really pleased by the way they’re kind of — strength in numbers is really helping us right now.”

Q: You don’t love these games against former assistants?

Izzo: “Yeah, I don’t. I don’t like them. I like them because I think it’s really good for them, from the standpoint they get to play here and make some money, but it’s not good for me. I mean, there’s a guy [Dwayne Stephens] that I coached and worked for me for a lot of years. And the funniest part is he’s got a good team, they just haven’t played together. He’s had three guys that have been out a lot, two guys that are really good players. His best player has only played in three games. So the scouting reports — they are a little different. The kid’s averaging 17 a game since he’s come back, and we don’t have a lot on him. Here’s a team that lost a 20-point lead and lost the last game that was a killer. But it’s also a team that was 10-up on Dayton; we thought Dayton was one of the best teams in Maui. So, they got a couple of guys that can really fill it up, they got size, they got big size, and I’d say DJ knows our system pretty good.”

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

The new year is nearly upon us, and if you’re looking for dining options to ring in 2025, Michigan will offer plenty of choices.

Most restaurant chains will remain open for the New Year’s holiday, including some 24/7 dining options.

Here’s what to know.

When is New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. New Year’s Day is Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

More: Michigan embraces frigid season with winter festivals. Here’s where to chill with friends

Will Applebee’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, but Applebee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Biggby be open on New Year’s?

Some Biggby locations will be open on New Year’s. Check online for your nearest Michigan Biggby.

Will Big Boy be open on New Year’s?

Some Big Boy locations will be open for New Year’s. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Bob Evans be open on New Year’s?

Bob Evans restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Buffalo Wild Wings be open on New Year’s?

Many Buffalo Wild Wings will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Hours will vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan Buffalo Wild Wings.

Will Burger King be open on New Year’s?

Burger King’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant before visiting.

Will Carrabba’s be open on New Year’s?

Carrabba’s locations’ New Year’s hours may vary. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Chick-fil-A be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chick-fil-A locations will be open on New Year’s, according to the company. Hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan location.

Will Chili’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Chili’s restaurants are open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for your nearest Michigan Chili’s.

Will Cracker Barrel be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Cracker Barrel locations are open on New Year’s. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan location.

Will Denny’s be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Denny’s restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 24/7.

Will Domino’s be open on New Year’s?

Domino’s Pizza locations’ hours may vary on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Check online for your nearest Michigan Domino’s.

Will Dunkin’ be open on New Year’s?

Dunkin’ outlets’ hours may vary by location on New Year’s, so check the Dunkin’ store locator or the Dunkin’ Rewards app for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Hungry Howie’s be open on New Year’s?

Hungry Howie’s restaurants New Year’s hours may vary by location. Visit the Hungry Howie’s website to check with your nearest Michigan location.

Will IHOP be open on New Year’s?

IHOP hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

Will Jet’s be open on New Year’s?

Jet’s Pizza’s hours may vary by location. Check the Jet’s website for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Jimmy John’s be open on New Year’s?

Jimmy John’s hours may vary by location. Check online for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Leo’s Coney Island be open on New Year’s?

Leo’s Coney Island’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead with your nearest Michigan location before visiting.

Will Little Caesars be open on New Year’s?

Most Little Caesars locations will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan Little Caesars for specific hours.

Will McDonald’s be open on New Year’s?

Most McDonald’s sites will be open on New Year’s, the hours may vary by location, the company said. You can check the store locator for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Olga’s Kitchen be open on New Year’s?

Olga’s Kitchen restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Olive Garden be open on New Year’s?

Olive Garden’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for hours.

Will Panda Express be open on New Year’s?

Panda Express’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Panera be open on New Year’s?

Panera Bread’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for your nearest Michigan cafe.

Will Papa Johns be open on New Year’s?

Papa Johns Pizza’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Call ahead or check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Papa Johns.

Will Pizza Hut be open on New Year’s?

Most Pizza Hut locations will be open for regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. You can check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Pizza Hut.

Will QDOBA be open on New Year’s?

QDOBA restaurants will be open for normal store hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the company said. Check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant for specific hours.

Will Red Lobster be open on New Year’s?

Red Lobster restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online or call ahead for hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Red Robin be open on New Year’s?

Yes, Red Robin burger restaurants will be open on New Year’s. You can visit the Red Robin website to check hours at your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Starbucks be open on New Year’s?

Starbucks Coffee’s New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check the Starbucks store locator or Starbucks app to check hours for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Subway be open on New Year’s?

Subway restaurants’ New Year’s hours may vary by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan location.

Will Taco Bell be open on New Year’s?

Taco Bell locations are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve hours may vary by location, so check online with your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Texas Roadhouse be open on New Year’s?

Texas Roadhouse locations will be open on New Year’s, the company said. Locations will be open for normal hours or expanded hours, varying by location. Check online for your nearest Michigan restaurant.

Will Tim Hortons be open on New Year’s?

Tim Hortons locations’ New Year’s hours will vary by location, the company said. Check online for your nearest Michigan Tim Hortons.

More: This Michigan location is tops in the nation for enjoying the snow. Here’s where to visit

Will Wendy’s be open on New Year’s?

Many Wendy’s locations will be open on New Year’s. Hours may vary by location, so check online for hours at your nearest Michigan Wendy’s.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

Mega Millions winning numbers are in for the Friday, Dec. 27 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $1.15 billion ($516.1 million cash option).

The winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions drawing are: 3, 7, 37, 49 and 55. The Mega Ball is 6. The Megaplier is 3x.

Check back to see if anyone won the Mega Millions jackpot.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Tuesday, Dec. 31. Drawings are held at 11 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. The jackpot will be at least $800 million ($401.8 million cash option).

How late can you buy a Mega Millions ticket?

In Michigan, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 10:45 p.m. on the night of the draw.

Mega Millions costs $2 to play.

What’s the Megaplier?

The Megaplier feature increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four or five times. It costs an extra $1 per play. The Megaplier is drawn on Tuesday and Friday before the Mega Millions drawing. The pool includes 15 balls. Five are marked with 2X, six with 3X, three with 4X and one with 5X.

What are the Mega Millions prizes?

• Match 5 White Balls + Mega Ball: Jackpot
• Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
• Match 4 White Balls + Mega Ball: $10,000
• Match 4 White Balls: $500
• Match 3 White Balls + Mega Ball: $200
• Match 3 White Balls: $10
• Match 2 White Balls + Mega Ball: $10
• Match 1 White Ball + Mega Ball: $4
• Match Mega Ball: $2

What are the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot?

The odds of matching the five white balls and Mega Ball to win the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.

How do I find the Mega Millions winning numbers?

You can watch Mega Millions drawing on YouTube. The winning numbers are also posted to the Mega Millions website and on the Michigan Lottery website.

What happens if I win the jackpot?

A jackpot winner has the option of taking an annuity or cash payment.

The annuity is paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments, according to the Mega Millions website. Each payment is 5% bigger than the previous one.

“This helps protect winners’ lifestyle and purchasing power in periods of inflation,” according to the Mega Millions website.

The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.

If two or more people win the jackpot in the same drawing, the money is shared equally among all winning tickets.

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