Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Game preview #12: Marquette vs. Michigan State

(8) Marquette +2 vs. (9) Michigan State (O/U: 123)

Hey, did you guys know Tom Crean used to coach under Tom Izzo? No foolin'.

This is a tough draw for Marquette, who had a terrific season and probably deserved better than an 8-seed. You have to wonder if star guard Jerel McNeal's injury had anything to do with their seeding. So the question becomes: does this young team rally without their star player? Or are they doomed to one-and-done without him on the floor? Much of it will come down to PG Dominic James, who was inconsistent down the stretch with McNeal hurt. Marquette is young, quick and potentially deep enough to overcome McNeal's absence.

Michigan State is a pretty similar team, their star is guard Drew Neitzel. But they do have more of a solid inside presence than Marquette with Marquise Grey, Goran Suton and Drew Naymick down low. Sometimes the Spartans get themselves into trouble (sign of their youth) when they play isolation offense and everyone stands around watching Neitzel create. But otherwise, they have all the makings of a tourney sleeper: solid rebounding, hard-nosed defense and good scoring balance on offense. Plus this team was banged up much of the year but is healthy now.

The Big-10 is being seen as overrated heading into the tournament this year and with pretty good reason. The Big-10 style of play can be tedious to watch, and Big-10 teams had a tough time for the most part in their non-conference schedules. But with everyone overlooking them, don't be surprised if at least a couple Big-10 teams over-perform their seed. Few people expect Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois and Indiana to get past the 1st round, let alone into the Sweet 16. So don't be surprised when one or more of these squads make a surprise Sweet 16 run.

The play to make: Early money was on Marquette in this game, but once it became announced that McNeal was out indefinitely, the Spartans money train started flowing in. Yet, Vegas has shifted the line only half a point? Something is suspicious about that one. Play this one at your own risk, you'll probably end up feeling silly either way. The best play here is probably the Over. Tread carefully no matter what you do.

Who to take based on which mascot would win in a fight: Another classic battle of human ingenuity vs. the ability to fly. Calling them the Spartans, however, leads you to imagine an entire army of Spartans. 300 is so hot right now. Edge: Michigan State

Who Suzy from accounting is taking: Tom Izzo is dreamy, Drew Neitzel... not so much. That Marquette black-and-yellow color scheme? Blech. Edge: Michigan State

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