For the 11th time in 16 years, MSU is in the Sweet 16! Now is where the fun begins. One could argue that if MSU makes it through the next two games (Duke, Louisville?) it would be harder than any potential matchups in the Final Four. This Friday will be an extremely tough task and we'll need to bring our A-game. As Izzo always says, PP-TPW ("Players play...tough players win").
Go Green.
If you read the messageboards like I do, there is a lot of hate between MSU and Memphis fans. Memphis fans are running their mouths about their superb overall record this year (and reminding State fans of a 2008 tournament beatdown), while MSU fans are ripping Memphis for their cake schedule and laughable disrespect for the Spartans.
Only one school will be able to back up the talk...let's hope it's MSU. It should be an UGLY game, as both teams have a propensity to turn the ball over. I could care less as long as MSU wins.
Not exactly a smooth last six games of the season, huh? We played arguably the worst basketball we have all year, and part of that is due to the stiff competition we've played. When we make mental mistakes or dumb plays, they're magnified tenfold against elite competition. Still, even with the string of losses MSU has endured, they were never really out of any game. The floor for this team is still pretty high, but the inconsistencies are maddening.
So we'll see which MSU team shows up this week. First up is Valpo, a solid shooting team, but a defensively weak team. We should be able to control the paint, so Payne/Nix should get theirs, and the rebounding advantage should be decisively in our favor. I would love to see an emphasis on defending the 3-ball, as it seems like Valpo's best bet for staying in this game. Also, it'd be nice to see some improvement on the pick-and-roll defense- it's been layup city off that all year for the opponent.
MSU-Valparaiso. Let the madness begin!
