When the schedule was released for this upcoming season, Spartan fans (including myself), circled four things on the pre-conference portion of the schedule: the Maui Invitational (a tough pre-season test for any squad), a visit to Duke (home of the defending national champs), a duel with Syracuse at Madison Square Garden (perhaps the biggest stage in the game), and tomorrow's home date with Texas.
Unfortunately, the Spartans have bumbled and stumbled through those first three challenges, turning the ball over and missing shots on their way to three losses that were undeniably tough to swallow. Tomorrow, however, they get a shot at redemption, and on their home court, no less.
The Longhorns are no Prairie View A&M, and on that note, it's great news that the Spartans have their fearless leader back after his unexpected suspension. On the court though, both Korie Lucious and Keith Appling have been hobbled by injuries, and as a result, haven't practiced this week. Despite that, the Spartans need both of them to be ready to go-those two can provide Kalin Lucas with much-needed rests in spurts, and provide a reliable sidekick to No. 1 when on the floor. Another key to a Spartan victory is Durrell Summers. His world-class jumping ability and improved deep jump shot were on display throughout his 25-point effort against A&M on Saturday, and MSU needs that type of performance from him not only tomorrow, but through the Big Ten season.
Looking ahead to the near future, this is MSU's final pre-conference tune-up before they tip off Big Ten play against Minnesota on New Year's Eve-to head into that game with confidence, the Spartans need to perform at a high level in a big-time game.
The opponent standing in their way is definitely a big-time team,though. The Longhorns are on a three-game winning streak, and that tear includes a last-second defeat over UNC on a neutral court. Before a Dec. 5th upset by USC, Texas had won six of seven to start the season,with the lone loss coming by two points to then-fourth-ranked Pitt.
Jordan Hamilton leads the way for Rick Barnes' crew, having scored twenty points five times this season. The athletic 6'7" swing man will be a tough match for Durrell Summers, or anyone else the Spartans put on him.
Texas is also getting greater contributions from freshman guard Cory Joseph, who's scored 18 or more points in the last three games-those totals include a clutch, game-winning turnaround jumper to knock off the Tar Heels on Saturday. But, the quickness and ability of MSU's trio of guards is enough to bring down the young star, and State should be able to keep him in check.
Three times this season, Michigan State has stood in the national spotlight, and three times thus far, they've faltered. If these Spartans really have learned their lesson, put in the work, and improved as a squad, the efforts of that hard work will show tomorrow. Even though they've won two in a row since that loss to Syracuse, it remains "gut check time" for these players. Tomorrow's game is clearly a huge test for MSU, and it's one they best not fail.
--Beau
No comments:
Post a Comment