BTT Semi-final Predictions
The last thing I need is for a prediction where we potentially get "ref'd" again in a close game, possibly even with a long review that opens us to believing that the officials just decided to watch a movie instead.
I think it's important that Z, MAAR, Mo, and even DRob stay out of foul trouble. The interesting matchup is Jackson vs. DRob. Gotta try to keep DRob from picking up crappy fouls inside. Would think Sparty tries posting him up. The way he's playing/shooting, needs to be on the floor.
Poole - Gotta get going. Needs some positive things to happen, and see the ball go in the hole. The first 4 minutes once he enters is HUGE for him.
Z vs. Winston matchup - first go around Z got the better of him. I think whatever point guard plays better, that team will win. They are both very important to their clubs.
MSU 75, UM 71
It depends upon your point of view. If you care about minimizing losses, they should be a #1 seed. If you care about maximizing good wins -- they're not there. Their two best wins are very good ones -- vs. UNC (neutral) and vs. Purdue. Then, home vs. Notre Dame (with Bonzie Colson), which is a good win if you look at UND with Colson vs. without him (but is a quadrant 2 win because the RPI doesn't know Colson was out for half the season). So far, so good. Next... uh.. @Maryland, I guess, or vs. PSU or Nebraska at home.
Their body-bag games weren't quite as bad as Michigan's, although they do have two in the RPI 300+ range (Cleveland State and our old pals Houston Baptist), so that helps their RPI. Still, if you gave Michigan their schedule, Michigan might not be 29-3 -- I assume Michigan still loses to UNC and vs. Purdue, for example -- but they might well be 27-5.
Bitching about something before it happens, but which might not happen, is as questionable an endeavor as is full-scale bitching about it afterwards.
Is it going to be the same crew as Michigan's 1st game or the Wisconsin game? That crew(s) called every touch as a foul.
JJJ or Wagner.....
Whoever can stay on the floor is a match up nightmare for the other team.
I am going to stick with my heart....
Wagner avoids the Braindead ticky tack fouls and has a huge game...
The Good Guys who DO IT THE RIGHT WAY....... 71
The Evil Plausible Denialabilites............................. 68
I'd crawl through broken glass to get UM a win today, but I dont see it happening...
- This is a revenge game for Sparty.
- This game has more relevance for Sparty than for UM. Sparty could get a #1 seed if it wins the B1G. UM is now locked into the NCAA #5 seed, unless UM wins the B1G. Then UM might get a 3-4 seed. A #5 seed is the same as a #4 seed in a 64 team tourney, since the #5 typically plays the #4 in the 2nd round. So, Sparty has more "seed motivation" than UM does for this game.
- This is Michigan's third game in 3 days. There will be a little fatigue in UM.
- I honestly think Beilein would not be terribly upset if UM lost this game. Would give UM an extra day of rest (yes I know the tourney doesnt start for 9 days, but every day of rest guarantees a player doesnt get hurt), and its easier to coach after a loss than after a win.
Prediction: Sparty 72, Michigan 68.
Here's a prediction that should make most of you feel better: if Sparty does not win the B1G tourney, Michigan will go farther in the NCAA tourney than Sparty. In such a scenario, I predict UM makes the elite 8, and Sparty loses in the sweet 16.
GO BLUE!!!