By BURT ANGELI

Sports Writer

Former Forest Park star Lexi Gussert was among five Michigan State seniors Wednesday playing their final home game at the Breslin Center.

Gussert along with Branndais Agee, Kiara Carter, Kennedy Johnson and Taya Reimer were recognized. Spartans coach Suzy Merchant credits Gussert for providing a special bond.

“I think what makes this class special is just the differences between all the players,” Merchant said. “You have everything from a walk-on to Branndais who’s a sixth-year kid, to a transfer, to kids in our state, outside of the state.

“There’s just a lot of different, unique individuals, but I also would say that I think that they came together really as a group and I think Lexi (Gussert) is a big reason for that.”

Gussert, a co-captain, suffered a fractured elbow this season but returned to recently help the Spartans beat rival Michigan at the Breslin Center.

Merchant cites Gussert’s “love of Michigan State, how much she enjoys being a Spartan.”

“I think it just really exudes and everybody else can’t help but love it and I think it really brought those other four kids in the mix with her,” Merchant said.

Michigan State defeated Wisconsin 69-61 in the Senior Night game. Gussert had four points and three assists in her 11th start of the season.

For the season, Gussert has appeared in 23 games, averaging 5.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per outing.

The Spartans (16-12 overall, 6-9 Big Ten) conclude the regular season at Purdue on Saturday at 1 p.m. The game will be televised on BTN.