Spartans Take Care of Business in Round One

Spartans Take Care of Business in Round One Tom Izzo locked in career win number 304 today, and it was a tough game to have his pre-season All American shot

Spartans Take Care of Business in Round One

Tom Izzo locked in career win number 304 today, and it was a tough game to have his pre-season All American shot only 20%. The story was that MSU was able to balance themselves out when Drew Neitzel struggled.

The Spartans defense was as sound as it ever has been holding the Owls to only 38% shooting. Dionte Christmas, the Owls Junior guard, came into the game averaging over 20 points, but the Spartans essentially eliminated him from competition by smothering him and allowing him only 2 points.

The Spartans, once again, had a foul discrepancy with an opponent, garnering a third more fouls (12-18) but that didn’t matter. The story was the Spartans ability to balance themselves, both in minutes played and scoring. Ten Spartans played (including injured Marquise Gray) and nine picked up significant minutes and nine scored.

Drew Naymick had a great game for the Spartans. He controlled the middle with 8 boards, but also added 10 points. The youngster Kalin Lucas was sensational with eight points, seven assists, and darted all over the court. The Owls struggled to contain him.

Overall, this is a win that was expected. The Spartans played solid and didn’t panic early when the Owls stayed with them, even with Neitzel struggling. One of the critical areas of this win was the Spartans ability to show themselves that they have the ability to win when Neitzel struggles.Â

The big reason for the Spartans overcoming was Raymar Morgan. He showed the flashes that he had early in the season on the biggest stage, the NCAA tournament today. Morgan played suffocating defense at times, shot seven of nine from the floor, and had three rebounds and assists.Â

For Morgan to be recognized for his defense is a relief to the Spartan Nation as the sophomore at times struggles at that end of the court. He has scored more than 15 before. He has even had more assists or rebounds, but he has NEVER played a more complete game on both ends of the court and if he is peaking, you certainly can’t be disappointed that he picked the big dance to do it.