PSU Recap and iLL Preview

Before I get too far I have to address commentating. Last night Tim McCormick couldn't have gotten much more wrong. I won't say he's bad at his job but he doesn't understand the rules, strategies, details, or the mental and physical macro-concepts of the sport. He cried about a travel call, then complained about another and both times was on the wrong side of the situation. He said MSU was "lucky" a foul was called late in the game because Lucas "almost stepped out of bounds." 1. He "almost" stepped out of bounds because of a 2 hand intentional push. 2. Last time I checked there is no "almost" out of bounds line on the stat sheet. So explain to me how anyone got lucky? Later Tim called Marquise Gray Goran Suton. I can see how you would mess that up, the two of them looking and playing so much alike.

Two games ago the vaunted CBS crew said Ibong or Iblonk (or something else completely wrong) about 15 times. That isn't an exxageration. They also called Izzo's wife Loopy, his daughter (Raquel) Rocky, and somehow managed to completely mess up about 5 other things.

Guys, just do your job. I understand that it is more difficult than it sounds. However, the stuff you are messing up is mostly your homework. Its not like you failed to speak for 5 straight minutes (at least not that often). You got a name wrong, totally wrong, all night. And the player is in his 5th season. Where is your support staff to say "hey, senile old man, his name is Goran not Grain" or "Willford Brimley, put down your oatmeal and read the notes I wrote you...his name is Ibok and Izzo is married to Lupe."

MSU and Penn State locked up last night at State College and despite the Spartans best effort to give the game away, MSU won 78-73. The reffing was suspect, both ways, although the knitted lions were the beneficiaries of most of the whistles. MSU ended up with 24 fouls to PSU's 22...but you have to take into account the 4-5 fouls at the end of the game that were intentional to stop the clock. In fact, PSU was in the double bonus with 9 minutes left in the second half. Part of that is because of their ability to drive, part because Allen and Summers cannot seem to play defense on the ball (or off) but some of the fault goes to poor reffing.

Suton had the ball inbounded off his ass again. However, in a moment of creativity Goran provided a perfect ass pass that allowed for a DUNK by the inbounder. I don't know how he'll top that one. I believe that is 3 on the season (imagine if he hadn't missed all those games w/ the injury!) and about 6 on his career. My guess is Suton just starts to shoot the ball in the opponents basket with his ass.

Summers stepped out of bounds twice on the sideline. Allen committed two fouls when a guy was hanging on the rim already. I hope some people were sick because we looked dead tired as a team. Gray is...non-existent. Maybe the light will come on in his 6th season.

Roe looked pretty good. Lucas was up and down but finished strong. Goran was actually pretty good and finished with a double double; 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Illinois beat up on Michigan last night in Champaign. Illinois has quite a few weapons -- none dominant but all decent -- and Michigan lived up to its billing. They died by the 3.

Illinois has solid guard play on both ends of the floor and a stable of interchangeable big men. Suton could have problems against this team because they are long and slow. Roe, however, is every bit as good a passer as Suton and should have a decent day. I expect Lucas to have a big game, Allen should find space, and Summers has a favorable matchup if he keeps his head on straight. Summers is more athletic than the people that would have to guard him (should we be in a 3 or 4 guard rotation) and if he makes the first few 3's could slip backdoor.

The most exciting part of this weekend should be the retirment of Morris Peterson's jersey. 42 will be raised to the rafters, as it should be, prior to this Saturday's game. It seems fitting since one of my more vivid memories of Peterson came against Illinois on the road. In a close game Peterson broke to the perimeter, made eye contact with Cleaves, and cut backdoor for the lob. That was one of the first times the pair ran the backdoor alley oop and it became a staple -- even in close last minute situations (Iowa State, NCAA tourney) -- of the offense for 2 seasons.

Summers could take the lob torch from Peterson if he can keep his feet inbounds.

MSU - Ill Predictions
Total Fouls - 117
MSU Inbound Plays from the frontcourt that end up in the backcourt - 6
Assists by Suton's Ass - 0
Travels by Raymar - 2
Lucas Assists - 8
Times Gray boxes out - 2
Combined FT % of both teams - 67%
MSU - 72
Ill -- 61