Guards

The Spartans were third in the Big Ten, top 10 in the country and poised for a run in the NCAA Tournament — all without big contribution from senior guard Drew Neitzel.

Now that the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year has seemingly got his groove back, it’s time to boogie. Neitzel is already third in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio and once he gets his offensive numbers back up to where they were last year, MSU will be tough to beat.

The one thing that does trouble MSU coach Tom Izzo is Northwestern’s ability to go small — their starting lineup doesn’t feature a true center and their guards Craig Moore and Michael Thompson each average double digits.

Advantage: MSU

Forward/Center

Since Neitzel appears to have his shot back, does sophomore forward Raymar Morgan think, “well, now I can just have an average season?” Morgan will be back. After scoring in double digits for 20 straight games, Morgan has had a hard time finding the basket. But after narrowing in on Morgan’s body language all season, Izzo says it hasn’t gotten any worse.

Additionally, it seems MSU can now count on a few baskets from senior center Drew Naymick. Having been a defensive force for his career at MSU, Naymick obtained the all-time career block record and has since taken his intensity to the offensive end. Couple that threat with junior center Goran Suton’s increasing consistency and threat for a double-double and the Wildcats will be in trouble.

Izzo mentioned that the Spartans are a bit weary of forward Kevin Coble, who recorded 34 points against U-M this season — the highest point total of an individual in Big Ten play this season.

Advantage: MSU

Bench

MSU had one of the toughest benches in the Big Ten going into the Minnesota game this weekend, outrebounding opponents this season in 14 of 18 contests. Then we met Chris Allen. The freshman guard finally broke out of his shell for 11 points and opened up yet another option for Izzo to replace any of his winded backcourt.

Advantage: MSU

Intangibles

Northwestern’s guards are in no way superior to the MSU backcourt. But the Wildcats need to be recognized for their 3-point shooting in some way. Northwestern leads the conference in 3-point field goals made and are third in shots attempted from behind the arc. Since defending the long ball has been something Izzo has harped on his team for this season, it could plague the Spartans.

Advantage: Northwestern

Coaching

Nearly 200 wins in 12 years for Northwestern coach Bill Carmody isn’t bad. But 147 losses to counter that isn’t saying much. And we all know Izzo’s credentials.

Advantage: MSU