DETROIT — Magic Johnson's jaw dropped and his head swiveled when he saw how Ford Field was set up for basketball.

No, you're not in Utah anymore.

"Wow," he said.

When Johnson led Michigan State to the 1979 title over Larry Bird and Indiana State, the game was played in Salt Lake City.

"THAT," he said, "was nothing like this."

Before the Spartans upset UConn 82-73, Johnson walked around the court, looking for his seats, with his father and other members of his family.

He stopped to sign autographs and take pictures with fans, including with Connecticut students, who put their rooting interests on hold to capture the moment with the Hall of Famer and former Los Angeles Lakers star.

The native of Lansing, Mich., said he's thrilled his sagging home state got an emotional lift from the Spartans' presence in the Final Four.

"Oh baby, you know we need this," he said before locating his seat behind Michigan State's bench.