MSU and Michigan share moment of silence in first men's basketball game since mass shooting

Arch rivals Michigan State and Michigan shared a moment of silence in memory of those who perished in the mass shooting at the East Lansing school earlier this week. 

Michigan State men's basketball's first game since the tragedy paled into insignificance but showed the strength of unity with the Wolverines' student section as they - and the players - wore custom shirts which read 'Michigan Basketball stands with MSU.' 

On Monday night, three students were killed and five left critically injured in an on-campus shooting, before the shooter turned the gun on himself. 

Its pep band also played Michigan State's alma mater before tip-off. During the moment of silence, the student section held 'Spartan Strong' signs.

Meanwhile MSU players wore shirts with the same messaging. Coach Tom Izzo became visibly emotional during the pregame tribute as Crisler Arena was dimly lit with green and white lights from LED wristbands given to fans.

MSU players were joined by its Michigan counterparts & fans in a poignant moment of silence

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo was visibly emotional during the emotional pregame scenes

'All in all, we played the game for 2 hours. We played the game to try and make many people back in East Lansing and around the world escape for 2 hours and enjoy the moment. I thought for the most part, we did our part. They just did it a little better."' Izzo said postgame following MSU's 84-72 loss.

Kobe Bufkin snapped a tie with a 3-pointer after he bobbled the ball as the shot clock was winding down with two minutes left as the Wolverines scored the last 12 points to split the season series.

Dug McDaniel led Michigan with 18 points, meanwhile Joey Hauser scored 20 points for the visiting school.

Earlier Saturday at East Lansing, a moment of silence was held before the women´s game against No. 8 Maryland. The victims and survivors were honored in pregame remarks.

Funerals were held Saturday for Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner while Arielle Anderson's funeral is scheduled for next week. 

Members and fans of both schools came together pregame in memoriam of those who died

Michigan's student section largely dressed in 'Michigan Basketball Stands with MSU' shirts

A moment of silence was held before the women´s game against Maryland earlier Saturday