Remember when you joked that the MSU men’s basketball would go 18-0 in the Big Ten?
Remember when a little part of you actually thought the Spartans could go 18-0?
The race is on
Despite losses, all is not lost for Spartans
Senior forward Raymar Morgan reacts after committing a turnover with approximately a minute left in the second half of the Spartans’ game Saturday against Illinois at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Ill. The Spartans lost to the Fighting Illini with a final score of 78-73. Morgan contributed eight points.
Welcome back to reality.
MSU’s 78-73 loss at Illinois on Saturday has slimmed MSU’s lead in the Big Ten to just one game with No. 8 Purdue coming into East Lansing.
But all is not lost.
Junior guard Kalin Lucas’ light participation in Saturday’s shootaround tells us that he is really close to coming back. Thankfully, there were no damaged ligaments or broken bones, so he should be expected back sooner rather than later.
But Lucas aside, I came away from Saturday’s game more encouraged than discouraged.
Sure, Illinois was unranked and MSU flattened them at Breslin Center a month ago, but there were many positives.
First, the Spartans nearly defeated the Illini without an effective point guard. MSU had 10, that’s right, 10 turnovers from the point guard position — split between junior guard Chris Allen and sophomore guard Korie Lucious.
Despite the disorganization of the floor general, MSU still was one possession away from overtime. There is no doubt that if Lucas had been healthy, the Illini faithful would have been filing out before the end of the game — instead of questionably storming the court.
Second, the Spartans dominated the much-taller Illini on the boards.
Despite having the Big Ten’s leading rebounder in Mike Davis and 7-foot-1 center Mike Tisdale, MSU had 10 more rebounds Saturday and 18 more combined in the two meetings this season.
Tom Izzo’s teams always have been known for their rebounding, and just because MSU doesn’t have a true big man doesn’t mean the post is a weakness for these Spartans.
Third, this team has its focus back.
READ MORE
In Madison, Wis., on Tuesday, the players said they weren’t focused coming into that game and perhaps they had gotten a little fat and sassy, as Izzo would say.
Saturday was a completely different story.
MSU fell behind 14-4 before I could blink and I thought I was going to see another blowout loss.
But the Spartans quickly came back and tied the game. Every time Illinois started to pull away, MSU answered. They were unable to finish it off down the stretch, but with Lucas coming back soon, the Spartans will be able to close out games.
At the first sign of trouble, the Spartans crumbled against Wisconsin. They’ve got their focus back and no doubt will have it Tuesday in a Breslin Center expected to be rocking.
Fourth, a true leader outside of Lucas has fully emerged, and there’s no more debate. Sophomore forward Draymond Green is the heart and soul of this team.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Green was a monster Saturday night, leading the Spartans with 17 points and hauling in 16 rebounds. Whenever MSU needed a basket, Green was there with an offensive rebound or a tip-in bucket. It didn’t matter that Green was matched up with the conference’s leading rebounder in Davis or the seven-inches-taller Tisdale. Green was not to be denied.
He’s only gotten better as the season has progressed and as his on-the-court play has improved, his leadership has as well.
The Spartans can survive without Lucas. Can they beat Purdue without him?
I wouldn’t bet on it. But even if the Spartans lose to Purdue, they’d still be tied for first place in the conference with only two questionably difficult matchups remaining (vs. Ohio State and at Purdue).
So while it seems the Spartans might be on their backs, just as everything changed in one week, it can change again.
Chris Vannini is the State News men’s basketball reporter. He can be reached at vanninic@msu.edu.
