This should be a great game. What MSU does well is run their half-court sets. That has been their only savior this year. Chris Hill is our solid 3-point shooter - he has icewater in his veins. Anderson will have to guard Carmelo, and he has issues with the dislocated pinky.
MSU is struggling at point guard right now, but they have been creative in solving some of the problem at times. Lorbeck and Davis can flash the high post against the 2-3 and score - Ballinger can hit threes too - but he has been snakebit this year. Torbert can slash against the zone and can elevate from 12 ft. in and score. BUT, they haven't really played a zone team this year. The one benefit that MSU has is that Izzo trained under Jud and the match-up 2-3 that he perfected. Another thing about MSU (as I am sure is true about Syracuse) is that they have been in a million close games this year (until Illinois, which was a fluke game). Neither team is likely to be phased by close games and can execute when needed. I imagine they will throw Anderson, Bograkos (bulldogish role player who plays decent D), and Torbert on Anthony. Much of this will depend on how the game is called. Aloyius Anagonye has always been one to quickly draw fouls because he is aggressive and physical (even in the Big Ten he racks up fouls). So if they call a close game, Syracuse could be greatly advantaged. Anyway, enjoy the game - Go MSU. Come to East Lansing someday - it is a great place.
~Cut/paste from the net. Feel free to post any thoughts/articles on the upcoming game.
MSU is struggling at point guard right now, but they have been creative in solving some of the problem at times. Lorbeck and Davis can flash the high post against the 2-3 and score - Ballinger can hit threes too - but he has been snakebit this year. Torbert can slash against the zone and can elevate from 12 ft. in and score. BUT, they haven't really played a zone team this year. The one benefit that MSU has is that Izzo trained under Jud and the match-up 2-3 that he perfected. Another thing about MSU (as I am sure is true about Syracuse) is that they have been in a million close games this year (until Illinois, which was a fluke game). Neither team is likely to be phased by close games and can execute when needed. I imagine they will throw Anderson, Bograkos (bulldogish role player who plays decent D), and Torbert on Anthony. Much of this will depend on how the game is called. Aloyius Anagonye has always been one to quickly draw fouls because he is aggressive and physical (even in the Big Ten he racks up fouls). So if they call a close game, Syracuse could be greatly advantaged. Anyway, enjoy the game - Go MSU. Come to East Lansing someday - it is a great place.
~Cut/paste from the net. Feel free to post any thoughts/articles on the upcoming game.
