LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today placed a friendly wager with North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue that the Michigan State University Spartans will win the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship when they play the University of North Carolina Tar Heels Monday night at Ford Field in Detroit.

"Coach Tom Izzo and the Michigan State University Spartan men have given the state of Michigan a great gift - the chance at a national championship from the hardest working team in college basketball," Granholm said.  "Thanks to the Spartans for uplifting our entire state and for giving us hope.  Their victory Saturday night was our victory, and we wish them great success in the championship game Monday night."

Granholm and Perdue have agreed that the governor of the losing team must be photographed enjoying some tasty treats from the winning state while wearing the winning team's jersey and hat.  A photo of the occasion must be publicly released.  The governor of the losing team also will donate $100 to a local food bank in the winning team's state.
 
Over the years, Governor Granholm has placed similar wagers with other governors in observance of championship games, with the governor sending gift packages that include Faygo soft drinks, Kowalski sausage, Bell's beer, and Michigan cherry products.
    
Governor Granholm attended Saturday night's semi-final championship game between the MSU Spartans and the University of Connecticut Huskies.  She is scheduled to attend the championship game Monday evening between Michigan State and North Carolina.

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