Dilithium Wings

January 28th, 2014 at 7:07 PM ^

Huge game for both programs. Sparty has arguably the toughest schedule of the top four teams in the big ten.

I say Iowa wins. They are healthy and are going to have a rocking home court advantage.

Joined: 07/26/2012

MGoPoints: 2002

B-Nut-GoBlue

January 28th, 2014 at 7:15 PM ^

Pretty bland first four minutes. I think Iowa should win this game, though it will be a tough one. I'm curious to see if they can hold Harris in check; if so that should only make an easier path for a W and two Game lead for us in the Big Ten!

Joined: 09/30/2011

MGoPoints: 43651

WolverineHistorian

January 28th, 2014 at 7:20 PM ^

Apparently MSU is the first team in history to have injury issues, given how much pub this topic is getting. 

Maybe they should just be handed the national title right now out of sympathy? 

Joined: 08/10/2009

MGoPoints: 55409

jmblue

January 28th, 2014 at 7:33 PM ^

As soon as I turned the game on, the very first words out of the announcer's mouth were "Dawson, Payne and Appling."  

Let's just give them a Purple Heart already.

 

 

Joined: 11/07/2008

MGoPoints: 102720

LSAClassOf2000

January 28th, 2014 at 7:33 PM ^

Both teams under the 40% mark for effective FG% right now, and Michigan State is coming up on five minutes without a shot going in, I think. This is starting to look like one of those games that require eyewash and beer, but knowing me, I will find the will to watch regardless. Guinness #1 is being had right now. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130507

MGomaha

January 28th, 2014 at 7:35 PM ^

I get blisters from playing intramurals, ESPN doesn't talk about my coach* dealing with injuries.

 

 

 

 

*I admittedly don't have a coach, but the point still stands.

Joined: 03/18/2012

MGoPoints: 6348

B-Nut-GoBlue

January 28th, 2014 at 7:35 PM ^

Iowa's defense looks awesome.  I mean, it's only because Dawson and Payne are out, but still.  They've shut down any movement and function of Sparty's offense.

Joined: 09/30/2011

MGoPoints: 43651

stephenrjking

January 28th, 2014 at 7:51 PM ^

Ugly basketball. MSU is struggling in some areas, but they're definitely thrilled with the pace of the game; this is their kind of game, not Iowa's kind. Bodes well for MSU late.

What's really impressive to me is that all these B1G teams seem to struggle on offense against top B1G competition. They just can't get it rolling in tough circumstances.

All these B1G teams except Michigan, that is. Even against smothering defense on Saturday Michigan was well over 1.00 ppp.  That's a significant positive even compared with a year ago.

Joined: 03/15/2012

MGoPoints: 20143524