State Keeps Rolling

Despite a 35 point loss to North Carolina earlier in the season Michigan State has staked a post atop the league and looks as if they might be there for good. In their defense, at the time the Tarheels absolutely spanked Sparty at Ford Field, many had crowned North Carolina national champions. In fact many had already handed them an undefeated season as well. But despite this embarassing public flogging, once again Izzo has his boys playing football on the hardwood as State leads the league in scoring and rebounding. Simply put, the Spartans go harder than opponents; they play harder, screen harder, rebound harder, defend harder and run into walls harder than any other team in the league. Their plus 11 rebound margin is first overall in the league and 6 boards higher than the next closest team. Lucas and Morgan are quite a tandem and compliment each other very well. There is no doubt playing Northwestern and Ohio State twice in the first month of the season has definitely helped the Spartans get out to their quick lead; now all eyes are on the Boilers of Purdue who are charging hard. It should be a photo finish come March.

Big win and loss in one game

IU did everything they needed to do to beat Michigan Wednesday night. They rebounded extremely well (40-35 advantage), they protected the ball, shot extremely well and also played some of the best defense they have shown all season. The only thing they forgot to do was make free throws. Had the Hoosiers (7-13 from the line) made their free throws, especially in overtime, they win-period. This loss may do more damage than some realize, Indiana could not have played better and still came up short, at home nonetheless. In the meantime Michigan stole a huge road victory. They did not play well at all until about the last 5:00 of the game. When Deshawn Sims became more active inside, the Hoosiers had to shift their defensive attention from the Wolverine shooters to the paint. This led to a quartet of very good shooters in essence having the type of open looks one is accustomed to having while shooting at ducks in a gallery. Road victories will be the difference this season in the rough and tumble Big Ten. The team that can steal the most is more than likely going to win the conference. Michigan should feel lucky to have escaped with theirs from Bloomington.