The shot ignited the crowd. No, not the last second three-point shot from Rahsaan Carlton that stunned Michigan State, but the shot taken 15 seconds into the game. For 6-foot-11 senior Dan McKenna, the shot marked the end.

McKenna, who has seen limited action during his career at Penn State, started his last contest on the hardwood inside Rec Hall. Then the center popped the opening basket against the Spartans upon receiving a pass from teammate Steve Wydman.

"Right before we went out, coach set up a play for me," McKenna said. "We ran it. I was open. I shot it and it went in -- it felt good."

McKenna along with fellow seniors Michael Jennings and Steve Wydman were honored prior to the start of Saturday's clash with Michigan State. Head manager Mike Hoffman was also recognized for the last time.

"That was special to end on a winning note," Hoffman said. "The last two years have been pretty rough, not too many wins in the conference. This was a pretty sweet one. Rahsaan's shot is gonna stick in my head for a long time."

With six seconds left in regulation, Carlton hit a crucial bucket from three-point land. That shot capped Penn State's 71-70 upset over the Spartans. The season came to a close. Steve Wydman headed to the locker room -- his college basketball career over.

"I was just real happy to be out there running around," Wydman said. "There were a few times in the game where I sat back and thought, 'Geez, I'm covering Shawn Respert -- this guy is gonna be making millions.' "

But not even Respert, Michigan State's scoring machine, could dampen the 1993-94 season finale at Rec Hall.

"(Penn State) battled tonight," Spartan Coach Jud Heathcote said. "They played hard as we knew they would on the last game when you're playing for your seniors. That's what basketball is all about."

Even the 1954 Penn State NCAA Final Four team was introduced at halftime. That club was coached by Elmer Gross and its star was All-American Jesse Arnelle. The '54 Lions finished its season with an 18-6 record, losing to LaSalle in the NCAA Tournament semifinals.

"Any Penn State team, basketball or not basketball, you pay tribute to them," Hoffman said. "Each team helps the other teams in the future."

The hoopla at Rec Hall Saturday night seemed to be maddening. After all, it is March.