Ekpe Udoh as a Wolverine is a stretch to me, he was way more notable nationally on his time at Baylor. Wish him well though.
Claiming every player that transfers away as their own when they find success should be the exclusive domain of MSU football fans.
Underrated best for me was the early second half run in the Maryland (home) game. We hit threes on like 6 straight possessions at one point. Jordan Poole hit 3 in a row. Just a crazy good 5-minute sequence.
I meant not injured, held out as a precaution. In his situation, 2nd of a back-to-back, just returned this week, the DNP is more understandable than most.
The story of this season was Derrick Walton, more than Beilein, DJ, Mo or anybody else. Sad to see him go, but thankful for how he played his ass off the last two months.
From what I've seen of him he seems like someone that has a lot going besides basketball, too. I wish him well.
This team is the best argument for why I watch college sports. To see these guys grow individually, and gel as a team this year has been a joy. Can't wait for the next one!
I expect a good game too, we're playing well. I don't agree with Ace that Purdue doesn't want to face us, they probably want to try and pay us back for their only L in the last month. They'll be ready.
It's all gravy now but hope it keeps going.
I think we're the top 10-8 B1G team for NCAA seeding. Msu still not guaranteed. NW will be in but no better than a 9.
Will be great to just enjoy the next week and not sweat out Selection Sunday.
Iowa and Illinois are both inexplicably red hot. I think I like our chances against either one, but it's conceivable that they pass us now if we don't take care of business. Especially if we lose HTH in the BTT.
Worst part of last night was that Mo missed that dunk after eviscerating a dude in the 1st half. Not only would that have been a huge highlight, but he probably plays better and we win comfortably.
Correct call or not, that seemed like one the refs can let go. If it's in AA, maybe they do. It's not like he's in the lane fighting for position early. The refs were part of the problem for 1) causing confusion a few times whether it was 1 and 1 or 2 shots. 2) most refs give some kind of verbal or visual "All set?" before putting the ball in play. They did not.
That said, no guarantee Mo makes the first, but frustrating to take his chance away.
It's frustrating to watch the bubble this time of year. The minute you lose a game people are dropping you down and projecting how you miss the tournament. Talking heads live to create drama.
I thought we played pretty well yesterday but still need to learn to win a tough, close game. This is still a flawed team. Getting to the tourney and winning one game would be a decent accomplishment.
Purdue has not been a good senior day opponent from what I remember. Zak and Stu lost to them in 2012, and LaVell's senior day was a L to them back in ...02? 03?
Here's hoping today turns that around.
Walton's scoring has been down the last 3 games. Kinda inevitable after averaging 20-some for awhile, but here's hoping he finds his shot again down the stretch. We're a better team with him as the alpha dog than Irvin.
I was impressed that we played thru the officiating as much as we did. We were right there until the tech and even survived 10 pts in 3 poss then.
The refs were a big story. That said, no one played particularly well. Mo was real quiet until the last few minutes, DJ didn't rebound well, Zak forced too many shots. Maar was fine. Derrick played hard but not smart I thought.
This kind of effort and a little better execution (and reffing) should be good for a 3-1 finish and 8-9 seed. After where we were a month ago, I'll take it.
Glad Donnal got a mention in the tags. He had a pretty good 4 minute stretch in the 2nd half. A good box out, block and board on Happ, and a couple tips that led to ORebs. His block especially gave us some energy.
Did it make up for the last 10 1/2 games? No, but he contributed to the win tonight.
Next year I think this won't matter as much when the NCAA switches to kenpom. But yea, top 100 wins is still a thing so hoping we don't lose any of those.
Bright side, Furman (!) is top-100 right now.
All aboard the Derrick Walton train. If he's playing like this and demanding the same from his teammates this team can go as far as he takes it. If not, they're not gonna get that from anyone else this year.
Beilein always favors offense to defense, but at least you can hide a weak player on offense. On D your weakness will get exploited 100% of the time until you adjust.
I don't know if Teske is the answer, but we know Mark Donnal is not. I'm still dubious Donnal can do anything to get himself benched. Probly a good kid but I'd be curious to see his +/- because for every 3 points he scores he costs us 6.
"Jordan Morgan got embarrassed" against Kentucky is pretty unfair. He was basically 1 on 3 against 7'ers every rebound. He was the only guy that kept us respectable in defense & rebounding that year.
Wouldn't mind seeing him come back to coach a few of our bigs.
Earlier this year Beilein said they wouldn't get better until they got time off to practice and rest. They just got 6 days off and played like that. Now he's saying they need more front court experience to have a chance, when a 3rd year guy (DJ) 2nd year guy (Mo) and 4th year guy (Donnal) just got bullied by their wings and two freshmen centers.
I'm getting tired of Beilein's excuses. Would much rather hear him take responsibility for the team's play than throw another lame excuse out there.
Back on track for the season, tournament, etc. Huge last two wins. If we can get two of the next four we'll stay in pretty good shape. But hell, let's just win in Breslin on Sunday.
Thought the same thing about NYC. Best we've played in 2 months. It's exciting to see this team find its' identity and embrace it. Here's hoping it keeps snowballing.
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This was a great article Seth. Really informative!
Things can snowball with a few bad calls. You'd be surprised.
nm
Best of luck in Alabama, here's hoping this is the one!
Back on track for the season, tournament, etc. Huge last two wins. If we can get two of the next four we'll stay in pretty good shape. But hell, let's just win in Breslin on Sunday.
Thought the same thing about NYC. Best we've played in 2 months. It's exciting to see this team find its' identity and embrace it. Here's hoping it keeps snowballing.