Finding a rhythm

After a few close wins at home, I must confess that I wasn't feeling too great about the potential outcome of yesterday's game against Miami.  Between our turnovers and the appearance of fatigue, it seemed like a trip to Miami would not be a restful stop for our guys.

When game time arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find both Harris and Trice back in the line ups.  They would provide much needed rest for Appling as well as more offensive options.  While Harris and Trice both did their part (12 points and 9 points, respectfully), our big men, Payne and Nix, were near absent.  Their confidence seemed shaken and their presence in the paint would hardly scare a fly.

Though the Spartans cut down on their turnovers (only 12, compared to 20 in the last two games) and grabbed 16 offensive rebounds (that's second chance shots, people!) the loss is plain and simple: if you don't score, you don't win.  You can't go over five minutes without scoring when you are already down and expect to win.   But see, this is where you should turn to your Bigs, feed them in the paint, and create offense.  Instead, we ran the "Dribble-Pass" play, whose name speaks for itself.  And to be fair, our guards did feed Nix and Payne the ball but not much happened when they did.  Both only attempted five field goals the entire game.  

What's the point?  Our guys are lacking familiarity and routine with each other, which leads to a steady rhythm.  Part of why Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State, are already so good is because they have a team that is not only solid but set as well.  Cody Zellar, Aaron Craft, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are playing with teams who aren't still figuring out whose in the starting line up.  In Izzo's words, "

"That was a hard game to coach. I didn't know how to approach it, and I probably didn't do a great job. It's going to get better once we get our rotation down. I still like where I think we've got a chance to go, but I sure don't like it right now."
 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/ncaa/men/gameflash/2012/11/28/80081_recap.html?sct=cb_t2_a5#ixzz2DfhiMa7h

Our team has one of our most talented freshmen classes that we've seen in awhile and it will take time for Izzo and the team to figure out just how everyone will be played. The good news is that it will come eventually and as Izzo said, our team's potential is high, but last night was a low.

Watch MSU bounce back against Nicholls State on Saturday, December 1st!