Michigan State Game

Tomorrow is the Illini matching up with Michigan State at the Breslin Center, another tough venue in the Big 10 Conference. Michigan State is a solid team this year, likely the best team in the conference, although Wisconsin and Indiana may be close. I have not had a chance to see MSU play this year, but they have many of the same players as last year, with one year more experience. Coach Izzo always has his guys ready, with the exception of the game against Iowa earlier this year. We can only hope for something similar, but it's not likely to happen at their home court.

Andy Katz did a nice summary of the Spartans on ESPN, focusing on the declining point production from senior guard Drew Neitzel. Katz points out the reason for lower scoring by Neitzel. Michigan State enters this weekend with a 17-2 record (5-1 Big Ten) and has plenty of balance; Morgan (16.8 ppg), Neitzel (13.8), Lucas (9.5) and Goran Suton (8.8) are all having productive seasons. The Illini will have their hands full slowing down the Spartans at home.

I enjoyed reading KJ's comments over at Spartans Weblog, who is a follower of the tempo-free stats that I used to enjoy using last year courtesy of Big Ten Wonk. KJ is apparently calculating these stats for MSU basketball this year, and from reading his preview of the Illinois-MSU game, he has this year's Illini squad completely figured out (very few shooters).