Tomorrow night is without a doubt the biggest contest of the season for the Michigan State Spartans, and for the first time all year, they're the underdog, in a game that not many are picking them to win. MSU's trip to Durham as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge provides as tough an early season contest as any, and furthermore, it gives us a prime opportunity to see just how well they stack up against top-notch competition.
The defending national champions have ripped off six straight victories to open the season, winning every contest but one by double-digits, and taking down 4th-ranked Kansas State on a neutral court in the process. Five Blue Devils scored 10 points or more in that contest, including freshman guard Kyrie Irving, who put in 17 all by himself. In fact, Irving trails only upperclassmen Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler in terms of points per game on that team, with 14.5. Despite being a true freshman, he'll present a tough opponent for either Kalin Lucas, Korie Lucious, or Keith Appling from tip-off tomorrow night.
Mason Plumlee has also played a key part in the Blue Devil''s undefeated start, showing a wide of variety of low-post moves in averaging 11 points, including a dominant 25-point performance against Marquette last Monday. The Indiana native also pulls down 8.5 boards a game, and his presence on the glass makes him difficult to handle. Garrick Sherman, Delvon Roe, and Adreian Payne have a tough job matching up against not only Plumlee, but also his frontcourt mate, senior Kyle Singler. The 6'8", 230-pound forward averages 16.2 points a game, and has also displayed versatility and shooting touch. If the Spartans hope to contain that duo, they'll need improved defensive effort and communication, something they've struggled with at times this year.
Coming off of a less-than-encouraging win over Tennessee Tech in which they turned the ball over 17 times, MSU will yet again have to place an emphasis on extending possessions and making smart decisions on offense. If the Spartans can keep their giveaways at or under 13, they'll be in the game late, and if they can pair that effort with stellar performances from their two leading scorers (Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers), they'll definitely have a shot to win. Although MSU hasn't faced a challenge this tough this season, Tom Izzo-coached teams are always prepared to play in big games. On a national stage, under the bright lights, we'll see just how battle-ready these Spartans are.
--Beau
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