Value the Basketball

                                           Detroitnews.com

Somehow, from what I considered to be one of the least enjoyable games of the season, came some of the best shinning moments. Payne’s and Dawson’s AWESOME dunks.  Harris stripping the ball, leading to Appling running it at a pace that only he can keep up with and taking the lead. Dawson's 17 points. Harris making all three of his free throws, even after popping his shoulder out during the first half AND Iowa taking a timeout to unsuccessfully freeze out the freshman. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t tempted to turn the TV off on Thursday night....and I didn’t even start watching until halftime! Each time my finger inched towards the remote control, however, someone would step up and remind me that ugly game or not, the Spartans were playing to win. 

Nix described the games against Iowa as a ‘must win’. A must win game during the first weeks of January!!?? Welcome to the Big Ten. If a team can pull of a win on the road, it doesn’t matter if it came from a game so ugly that one of the highlights may have been listening to the announcers describe Nix taking a knee to....well the area described as a place where no man wants a knee to go. A win is a win. A reason to celebrate and, hopefully, a way to learn and grow. 

Learn and grow. And what shall we learn? It’s simple really- value the basketball and play a clean game. After a tight second half, our win came down to a little bit of luck and ending with a cleaner game. We valued every second with the ball. The Spartans fought harder for the rebounds, demanding more time and opportunities with the ball. Turnovers were less, and they got their hands on the ball on defense, taking advantage of their steals to tie up and later lead the game. But it wasn’t the flashy dunks or fast breaks that won them the game. It was valuing the ball when the clock was stopped. It was Harris, Appling and crew making good, clean free throws. Nothing flashy or worthy of youtube. Just valuing every moment the ball is in your hands and finishing clean. 

Hmmmm....now what coach is known for emphasizing tough rebounding and clean free throws!?:)

Looking forward:

Sunday January 13th at 6:00pm    Michigan State vs Nebraska on BTN

All home games this season with the Big Ten could be described as a ‘must win’. To get yourself ready for the game, enjoy this clip of Nix with a steal and dunk...yes you read that right, Nix...from last year’s game against Nebraska, when the Spartans beat Nebraska 62-34. I'm a fan of that score. I'm a fan that Nix outruns Nebraska and dunks on them.

And don’t forget to watch The Journey’s premier following the game on BTN!!