EYE TEST, UNC vs. MSU

Sometimes you cannot get a complete picture of a team by looking at wins and losses, and other numbers.  A good team also needs to pass the eye test.

So, without diving into the numbers and without dissecting Tom Izzo's remarks about the game I'd like to share a few thoughts about how it looks to me.

Specifically about the game last night:

1.  The length of UNC really bothered the Spartan perimeter players when shooting from the outside.  The UNC defenders were able to get their hands and fingertips on a few shots early and it seemed obvious to me that it caused MSU shooters to think twice before every perimeter jump shot, and hesitation rarely produces great shooting percentages.

2. MSU was surprisingly close to winning that game late because of their full court pressure and a costly UNC turnover under the basket.  My heart sunk when Lucas and Morgan collided on the steal in the back court.  That four point swing almost put it out of reach, but another turnover and a few Lucas drives kept them within striking distance.  The real nail in the coffin was the two offensive rebounds off of missed free throws after Roe and Green fouled out.

  Side question for debate...  Knowing that UNC has young, turnover prone guards should Izzo have unleashed a little full court pressure earlier than desperation time?  It looked like the Tarheels really had a hard time with it.

3. Delvon Roe and Draymond Green have excellent ball skills and handled those very large post players quite well.  Even though UNC scored in the post both of those defenders forced some very difficult shots. It was Ed Davis' and Deon Thompson's night.  Garrick Sherman is not quite strong enough to  handle those two guys.  I was shouting at the tv "Help, help, help" every time they caught the ball in the post with him defending and they scored on him repeatedly.

As far as the season goes so far:

1. Delvon Roe is quite the athlete, a nice improvement from last year.

2. Raymar is playing desperate and I love it.  He is determined to leave a positive mark on this program.

3. This years version is not as tough defensively as last years.  They are more athletic.

4. This years version does not execute that well in the half court compared to typical Izzo teams.  The fast break is better.

5. They are incredibly fun to watch.

This is what my eyes see, what do yours?