ago
There’s a lot to cover from the week. UofM and Wisconsin each losing a game in the (yes I know I’ve said it already) TOUGH Big Ten Conference, leaving Wisconsin as the only team undefeated within conference play. The too close for comfort game against Nebraska, which included the heart stopping moment when Dawson laid on the hardwood holding his knee, followed by the heart pounding “superman” moment when the same man streaked back onto the court. And if you weren’t certain that Dawson’s knee was alright, him slamming the ball through the net at the last second of the game proved the point. This emotional topsy turvy game was followed by a win on the road in the Big Ten. An expected and necessary win, but a win none the less. The win against Penn State was a personal victory for Izzo, who has now coached his 200th Big Ten win, and in addition, it was announced that Izzo will receive the Tisdale Humanitarian Award for his positive impact upon the community. The game was a triumphing moment for Trice, who got to play his first game without his foe, the mask! And in the forefront of every fan’s mind is the upcoming game against #11 ranked Ohio State. The game that kicks off a 11 game streak of games against currently ranked teams.
Phew! Exhausting week! Does that about cover it!?
Oh wait.....:)...let’s not forget that teeny, tiny news blurp that came out before Wednesday’s game. The “fist fight” between Dawson and Payne. Did every MSU fan note how the camera kept zooming in on Dawson and Payne any time they cheered together on the sidelines or assisted each other on the court? During those moments, did anyone else take advantage of the closeups in order to look for bruises in hopes of discovering who won the “fight”? (sidenote: I have decided that while Dawson/Payne caused some embarrassments and may need some anger management classes, it’s ok to not be too concerned because Izzo let them play in the second half. If it were serious, Izzo’s consequences would have been much more severe). So, the important question on all Spartan’s minds right now is obviously.....who won the fight!?!? Other questions that arise include, will Izzo ever allow Payne to play in the first half again after his AMAZING 20 point and 7 rebound performance during the second half. And does the NCAA allow players to use the pregame ritual of bashing each other’s heads into a wall, because Payne and Dawson may be on to something.
Favorite quotes in response to the drama:
After Payne vowed the drama would not linger after the game, stating he and Dawson would “lay our heads next to each other” when they returned to their shared apartment, Izzo responded with “I wouldn’t go that far.” usatoday.com Oh Izzo, you witty man:)
Alright, putting aside the gossip and focusing on the future hopeful victory against Ohio State. I read an article accusing Michigan State of being a “grind it out” team. It was NOT a positive description. Now, as fans we can say we’re a team that makes it happen, does what is needed to win when it’s needed. I mean, isn’t that what earns the wins come March!? However, as the Spartans enter into their next 11 games, they cannot allow it to come down to a second half “grind out”. Wins need to start during the first half, from the first second of play. Rumor is that Izzo will be starting Payne and we’ll see if that makes a difference. Amidst our grind out wins, I see a vital ingredient that may be the “yeast” to future wins. Players stepping up.
With the graduation of Draymond Green, MSU appeared to have lost its consistent guy. The player that always has a good game. The one we can depend on. On the flip side, though, when that player does have a rare poor game, be afraid. Remember the few times Draymond Green had an off day last season? Exactly. I blocked it out of my memory as well. So the positive is that we have a LOT of players with a LOT of talent. And we’ve seen each player take their turn stepping it up. Appling began the trend at the beginning of the season when Harris and Trice were out with injuries. Harris has shown us what he can do from behind the 3 when he is on fire and consistently steps up on the foul line when needed. Nix stepped up AGAIN against Nebraska with 17 points. Byrd took flight against PSU by sinking a 3 to energize his team early on, and we already sang praises to Payne stepping it up during the second half of the game. MSU opened its season with the guards stepping it up and leading the scoring, and has now shifted to showing the world what can happen when the big guys step up. During the game against Nebraska, the big guys went a combined 18-for-22. However, the four guards were 4-for-26. So, the key ingredient for a victory against Ohio State? EVERY player must step up! Big, small. In the paint and behind the 3. I love the team sharing the spot light but let’s let it shine now on ALL 5 players on the court AT THE SAME TIME! The talent is there. Izzo says he sees it come together at practice. Step it up and bring it to game time.
Go Green!
Next Up- #18MSU vs #11Ohio State Saturday January 19th at 6:00 on ESPN
Great article to give you a review of the players this year and how they can "stock up" and "step up"
No comments:
Post a Comment