MSU-Temple halftime thought
The test is coming. I expected MSU to come out, shake off Wisconsin and play well in the first half against Temple.
But you know the Owls are going to make a run. Christmas will hit a shot, and his team will get a lift. Temple will go back to that trap force some mistakes, string together some baskets.
Can MSU handle it? I think back to 2004, when MSU was coming off a tough pair of losses to Wisconsin, went up big on Nevada, seemed to crumble as the Wolfpack came back for the win. Totally different teams, obviously, but this one also has to get mentally tougher at the end of games. Should be an interesting final 20 minutes.
I remember almost getting comfortable with 8 minutes left and up by 12 against Wisky. I turned it off with 5 minutes left knowing we were gonna lose. Up by 16 now and playing great D with no Big Ten refs.
Posted by: Spartan95 | March 20, 2008 at 01:48 PM
I still see no improvement with the full court press, as soon as i turn it on, temple starts to pull their way back in...
Posted by: griff325 | March 20, 2008 at 02:14 PM
For some reason we decide not to attack the press to score, but rather pull it back.
Posted by: Spartan95 | March 20, 2008 at 02:17 PM
all i can say is bring on the next game...go green
Posted by: nadbadman | March 20, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I DO however see a very CLEAR difference in the officiating, wow what an improvement with NO biased officiating. People should see this!! BIG TEN OFFICIALS NEED TO BE FIRED!
Posted by: griff325 | March 20, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Lets win this one first. Seeing 8 points disappear in a few minutes and the Spartans starting to choke is all too familiar. Lets hope this isn't a Wisconsin repeat, then we couldn't blame the refs for that loss.
Posted by: Scott Skiles | March 20, 2008 at 02:24 PM
With a 19 point lead, we go to a four corner instead of doing what got us to the 19 point lead. Result, lead cut to 10.
Posted by: Spartan95 | March 20, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Temple has windled the lead down to 10pts with Neitzel on the bench, time to bring in the leader who has not had a good game scoring but has been showing leadership in other fashions. State will not let this go and Izzo will bring back DNice back in...no worries Spartan fans.
Posted by: James Wippel | March 20, 2008 at 02:26 PM
But it's march, Izzo time, you are not questioning the almighty are you Spartan95?
Posted by: Scott Skiles | March 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Yes, why try to milk clock if you've had your way offensively?
Posted by: Spartan95 | March 20, 2008 at 02:31 PM
next--sweet.
Love summers--smooooth
Posted by: Hey, Don't Step on the 'S'! (aka Cmoney) | March 20, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Temple quits with two minutes left to play, what a bunch of losers. I've seen teams win with 1 min left to play and behind by 10. Hope Pitt is this easy and that Morgan comes to play.
Posted by: Scott Skiles | March 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
bring it pitt or bob...go green
Posted by: nadbadman | March 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I love when Seth Davis and Digger Phelps pick against us and are WRONG!!!!!!
Posted by: Spartan95 | March 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Good win for the spartans. My brackets still looks sweet!!
Posted by: Mike | March 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
yep, nice pick seth davis.
Posted by: bradford | March 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Move the Chains!!!!!
Posted by: Skiny | March 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Congratulations fellow Spartans!!! Bring it on Pittsburgh. Love it when Naymick, Allen, Summers and Lucas get involved in the game. Every player contributed today. Neitzel will shoot the lights off against Pitt. 66-60, MSU wins, my prediction.
Posted by: Spartan in SC | March 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM
And if Raymar can stay off the foul trouble, expect a 12 - 15 point game from him every night.
Posted by: Spartan in SC | March 20, 2008 at 02:42 PM
sethie davis and diggie felps really can pick 'em, huh? did sethie ever play? we know diggie never really was a coach, but I digress;
GREAT WIN SPARTANS
THE A10 was/is overrated and so is the big east - pitt goes down!
Posted by: Spartan in St Augustine | March 20, 2008 at 02:44 PM
good day for the freshman at least offensively, give them some confidence for Saturday's game. Neitzel will not have back to back low scoring games. I look for another solid victory in a couple days. GO GREEN!
Posted by: tre | March 20, 2008 at 02:47 PM
people always talk about our matchup problems with other teams. Well, think about their matchup problems with us! We're tall, and fast. we rebound, play d., shoot free throws well and share the ball. Wanna run? we can do that. Wanna play in the mud? We can do that. wanna compare head coaches? fine with me. i think we can match up with anyone this time of year.
Posted by: Skiny | March 20, 2008 at 02:47 PM
poor ga and X had eddie lowtower to ref the game - bet one of those schools blogs are really complaining
Posted by: Spartan in St Augustine | March 20, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Seth Davis and Digger Phelps are morons...they needs to stick their microphones up their butts...I just figure that since they are talking out the a** it is a more appropriate place
Posted by: Spartan in San Antonio | March 20, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I watched the Georgia vs. Xavier game...Eddie Blowtower sucked it up bad again.
Posted by: Spartan in San Antonio | March 20, 2008 at 02:50 PM