Back on January 4, Michigan State opened the Big Ten with a 62-60 loss in Iowa City. It was game where the depleted Spartans had numerous chances but couldn’t close the deal on the road. The Hawkeyes took advantage of the win and put the humiliating losses to Drake and Northern Iowa out to pasture. Entering Saturday’s game with Michigan State at the Breslin Center, Iowa’s young team is playing its best basketball of the season but it may not be enough.
Sparty Plays Defense
For the Spartans, one win against Michigan last week and the four game losing streak is all but forgetten. The most invigorating aspect of the Michigan game was Raymar Morgan coming into his own as the second offensive option to Drew Neitzel. According to Izzo, “Raymar definitely had his best game as a Spartan.” If Morgan keeps it up, the Spartans may be putting everything together just in time. It’s also worth noting that despite their four game losing streak, the Spartans have never stopped playing tough defense. A testament to their coach’s priorities, they still lead the league in fg% against and almost every other Big Ten defensive statistic. A win at home Saturday and the Spartans solidfy their case to Bracket Czar Gary Walters.
Empty Chairs In Crisler
On short rest after last night’s loss to an emotionally charged Purdue team in Mackey Arena, IU travels to placid Ann Arbor to play the reeling Wolverines. With three of its next four on the road, this is one the Hooisers need in order to maintain positive momentum and prevent a minii February slide. IU is 2-6 away from Assembly Hall and 1-5 in Conference but at this point in the season, Crisler Arena may more resemble a neutral site. Michigan attendance is its worst in 25 years and, for the second staight year, ticket sales are in substantial decline. Even Amaker’s Durham imported student section and their feigned courtside enthusiasm can’t shield the nasty fact that the upper level is all but empty nearly night in and night out.
For its part, Michigan can win this one. Whether they will, however, has more to do with Amaker’s ability to maintain his team’s focus on the game at hand, not what happens on March 11 in an NCAA purchased smoke filled room in Indianapolis. Under Sampson, IU plays a full 40 minutes of chest to chest defense, especially on the perimeter. The effect of Calloway’s abesnce will be seen, but Eric Suhr should be able to absord the minutes admirably. Michigan’s biggest weakness is its inability to handle the ball and play consistent halfcourt offense, both due in large part because they don’t have an effective point guard. A Michigan loss here and Amaker has blown six of his last seven. A win, and Michigan circles the OSU game on the last day of the regular season as their ticket to the Tourney.
Ohio State in the Barn
On paper, this is another mismatch but stats don’t dribble, block out or get floor burns. The Golden Gophers played Wisconsin toe to toe for 35 minutes on Wednesday night fading only when Spencer Tollackson fouled out. Under Molinari, the Gophers play hard every night out, which is in itself worthy of praise. Solid games but lossess nonetheless against the Badgers and Michigan indicate Molinari is still getting his kids to compete late into a lost season. Tollackson is an agressive big man with a crafty low post game and he may secretly relish the opportunity to play against Oden. If either big man gets in foul trouble, a significant advantage to his counterpart’s team.
Finally, if Molanri isn’t the head coach next season for the Gophers, who is…Flip Saunders? One can always look to Tom Izzo’s hip, Mark Montgomery, although pulling a former MSU player away from the bench may be a tough proposition. There’s also former Bruce Weber assistant and current Southern Illinois head coach, Indiana native Chris Lowery. Someone with Midwestern roots, who knows the high schools, the coaches, and the Big Ten Conference would seem to be a prerequisite to restore some pride in Minnesota basketball.
