For the second straight game in the Maui Invitational, Michigan State found themselves in a dogfight. The only difference was that in this instance, the opponent was a Divison I, Big East ballclub, and not a D-2 school with an enrollment of just over 1,000. In losing 70-67 to Connecticut,the Spartans showed that despite being ranked second in the country, they still have a good deal of work to do to reach the elite levels they aspire to.
Unfortunately, they struggled again in terms of free-throw shooting (75% from the line, only a minor improvement from their previous contest against Chaminade) and turnovers (13, to only 12 assists). In addition, five Spartans who logged double-digit minutes combined to score only 22 points between them. If State wants to win games going forward, they'll need better balance. However, offensive firepower won't be the only thing MSU will need in the future. Michigan State will have to commit to a better defensive effort. In this particular contest, they gave up 30 points alone to Huskies guard Kemba Walker. Although Walker had been scoring at will in prior games (30.3 points per game on the season), the Spartans can't allow every team's leading scorer to gouge them so mercilessly, especially with a visit to Duke on the way in eight days.
In terms of other key points in the contest, State showed that while they do possess experience, their judgement will need to improve in certain areas. Specifically, a late turnover by Korie Lucious, when the Spartans still had one timeout left, is a prime example. But, a home date with Tennessee Tech on Sunday presents the perfect opportunity for Michigan State to improve in several key facets, and given the importance of their upcoming games, I think they'll do just that.
As mentioned earlier today, MSU's gridiron warriors have an extremely important contest on the way Saturday. Penn State presents a tough test, despite their four losses. They've posted solid marks across the board in terms of passing (58th nationally), and rushing (148.2 yards a contest), and have a dangerous weapon in Evan Royster. Although the senior running back struggled these past two weeks, with a total of just 97 rushing yards, he ran for 134 on just 25 carries against Northwestern, and posted a total of 150 on the ground against Michigan. In addition to running the football, the Nittany Lions have displayed an improved aerial attack in winning four out of five games with walk-on turned starter Matt McGloin under center. In games where McGloin tops 225 yards, PSU is 3-0. But, with a Spartan secondary coming off of a game in which they limited Purdue's spread offense to just 189 yards through the air, MSU should be well-prepared to defend Penn State.
Michigan State's entire season has led them to this point. After countless hours of training, lifting, practice, and film sessions, the Spartans have finally put themselves in position to win one of the championships their coach talks about so frequently. But, the task won't be easy. To leave Happy Valley ahead on the scoreboard at the end of Saturday, Michigan State will have to deliver a focused, discplined effort. They'll need to step up and perform in crucial situations. And most importantly, in a hostile environment, surrounded by 107,000 ruthless enemies, they'll have be ready to go, right from the opening kickoff. This is their one opportunity at Big Ten glory. Something tells me these Spartans will seize it.
--Beau
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