Three weeks ago I wrote an article about how Michigan State needed to step it up if they want to dance in March. Well…After two awful 20 point losses to Iowa and Wisconsin, the Spartans have started to pick it. They have won 2 of their last 3, including a huge win last night over Illinois last night 61-57 at the Breslin Center.
Kalin Lucas led all scorers with 25 points as he continues to be the glue that is barely holding the Spartans together. Lucas dominated the ball, taking 19 of the Spartans 50 field goal attempts. But, I guess that’s not a bad thing considering he’s still not getting much help from his teammates.
Durrell Summers struggled once again, only scoring 8 points, while shooting 1 of 7 from the field. That’s just not going to cut it for the Spartans. Summers is an outstanding talent, but for whatever reason, he’s still struggling. I don’t know if his confidence is shaken or what the deal is, but he needs to play better. Guard play is critical in College Basketball and can win you lots of games, especially in the tournament. If Summers can get it going down the stretch, the Spartans will be dangerous.
Delvon Roe led the bigs with 8 points and 7 rebounds as the inside game continues to be nearly nonexistent for Michigan State. Draymond Green was held to 5 points and 6 rebounds, while only shooting 1 of 3 from the field. But, it was the tough defense and rebounding that’s been made the difference. Michigan State basketball prides them selves on tough defense and physical play. If the Spartans stay dedicated on the defensive side of the ball, they will be tough to beat.
Turnovers have also been a big problem for the Spartans this year. In their 11 losses, they are averaging 14 turnovers a game. And it’s not Lucas…he’s taking good care of the ball this season. There is no doubt that loosing good ball handlers Hill and Lucious has hurt them, but taking care of the ball takes a conscious effort from the players. Knowing that they have problems scoring the basketball, the Spartans can’t give away possessions.
The Spartans are still hanging around, but they can’t afford anymore losses. It’s easy to see what State needs to do to finish the season strong, but it’s up to the players to step up. Tom Izzo can only do so much. If the Spartans are going to extend their streak of 13 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, they are going to have to focus, dig deep and lay it all on the line. State has 4 games left in the regular season, with tough games against Minnesota, Purdue and at Michigan to end the season. If they can’t win all of them, they will most likely have to win the Big Ten Tournament to get an invite to the Big Dance.
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