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A LOOK AT SPARTY: If the transitive property were completely functional in basketball, the Illini would have this game with MSU in the bag. Against common opponents, Michigan State beat Oakland by one point at a neutral location, lost to Texas by 12 at home (55-76), beat Wisconsin at home in overtime (64-61) -- in a game they should have lost -- and had two squeakers against Northwestern, winning at home in overtime, 71-67, and on the road, 65-62. They lost to Michigan at home (57-61), lost to Iowa on the road (52-72) and lost by more than three touchdowns and two safeties to Wisconsin on the road (56-82).
The Spartans have a 46 rating with Pomeroy and are still pretty good when it comes to rebounds, with a #39 ranking for offensive rebounds, #59 on defense. You can tell this has been emphasized by Coach Izzo as MSU has improved since our last game from #55 to #39 in offensive rebounding and from #89 to #59 in defensive rebounding. They still have problems with turnovers, though, as they are #210 in giving them up and #253 in getting them. That last statistic -- forcing turnovers on defense -- has gone steadily down for MSU this year. It was #193 when we first played them. Of course, that probably relates to having to play so many good ball control teams
Illinois has the edge in every category vs State when you look at the numbers, with ONE GLARING EXCEPTION REBOUNDING, and State will dominate inside.
Michigan State is a 2.5 chalk at home and it is a must win game for State serving home court, the place will be packed on Sat Night at East Lansing.
Illinois lacks a dagger, and Mccamey is going to have to play a perfect game for Illinois to stay close. 7-1 Center Mike Tisdale who was benched on the start last game is so fired up to play this game I would be willing to bet he fouls out of the game.
State is going to win this game by more than 2.5
The Spartans have a 46 rating with Pomeroy and are still pretty good when it comes to rebounds, with a #39 ranking for offensive rebounds, #59 on defense. You can tell this has been emphasized by Coach Izzo as MSU has improved since our last game from #55 to #39 in offensive rebounding and from #89 to #59 in defensive rebounding. They still have problems with turnovers, though, as they are #210 in giving them up and #253 in getting them. That last statistic -- forcing turnovers on defense -- has gone steadily down for MSU this year. It was #193 when we first played them. Of course, that probably relates to having to play so many good ball control teams
Illinois has the edge in every category vs State when you look at the numbers, with ONE GLARING EXCEPTION REBOUNDING, and State will dominate inside.
Michigan State is a 2.5 chalk at home and it is a must win game for State serving home court, the place will be packed on Sat Night at East Lansing.
Illinois lacks a dagger, and Mccamey is going to have to play a perfect game for Illinois to stay close. 7-1 Center Mike Tisdale who was benched on the start last game is so fired up to play this game I would be willing to bet he fouls out of the game.
State is going to win this game by more than 2.5
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