Summers the Story in Another Road Win

There were a few keys to the MSU win in Columbus today. The Spartans outrebounded OSU by 35-19 and dominated on the offensive glass. That's what you need to do to win on the road in the Big Ten.

Second, the Spartans kept their turnovers to under 14 which has been a key number for them this year. If that number starts to creep up to 15 and over, the Spartans are often in trouble. Last Wednesday was a case in point.

Third, Kalin Lucas still wasn't shooting the ball consistently from the outside. But he still had a great second half, hitting free throws, taking care of the ball (0 second half turnovers) and setting the tempo.

But let's face it, Durrell Summers kept MSU in the game in the first half. I compared Summers to a poor man's Jason Richardson a couple of weeks ago because of his ability to hit outside shots and incredible athleticism. We saw that potential this afternoon and if he can emerge as another consistent scorer, MSU will be tough to beat.

A couple of other notes:

• If Goran Suton doesn't make at least 2nd Team All Big Ten, there should be an investigation. He has been so consistent whenever he hasn't been hurt.
• Is Raymar Morgan still sick? He still wasn't himself today. I'm not worried - yet. He is giving great effort but his offense has been nonexistent since he got sick. It must be one heck of a flu bug.
• Korie Lucious started. That was an interesting move by Coach Izzo but give him credit. I think it was because of the matchup with Ohio State, which has a short bench and usually plays three guards and a swingman on the floor at one time. But let's see if Lucious starts again this week.

I'd be interested to see if all you MSU fans feel this win makes up for the Northwestern loss. I still contend that was a bad loss. But perhaps it could turn out to be a kick in the rear.

Next up, a trap game at Iowa. They are probably the second least talented team in the league. But remember what happened last year. I'm going to say we will score more than 36 points this time around!