Michigan was solid on all cylinders, and exemplified matters most in the NCAA Tournament: "It's not about who's the best. It's about who's playing the best." And that's exactly the case with Michigan St. For instance, Raymar Morgan, who's struggled for much this season and last, battling injury, illness, and slumps, had the game of his career, finishing with 18 points, 9 bards, and 5 assists. Likewise, Freshman PG Korie Lucious who had just 3 points in the entire tournament coming into Saturday's game, contributed 11 points in 9 minutes against the Huskies.
Furthermore, Michigan St. simply continued to do what they do best. The same way they took out the Big East last week (L'ville), is how they did Saturday: Defense and execution. Travis Walton has to be in the running for the nation's "Best Perimeter Defender" after the job he did on A.J. Price, holding him to 5-20 for 15 points. On the offensive end, Michigan St.'s churned out exactly what was expected: A great game from Kalin Lucas + a bevy of small contributions from the rest of the squad. Lucas had 21 and 5 assists, to go along with Morgan's 18 and Lucious' 11. In addition, Durrell Summers had 10, including a game changing dunk on Stanley Robinson, and Draymond Green had 8. The Spartans bench outscored UCONN's 33-7.
For the Huskies, the struggles of three guys is what held them back - A.J. Price, Stanley Robinson, and Kemba Walker. Price was shut down by Travis Walton, and ended up forcing a lot of bad shots and pig drives. Stanley Robinson foul trouble also hurt the Huskies. His absence was especially unfortunate for the Huskies, because when he was in, he had a huge impact, scoring (15), grabbing boards (13), blocking shots (2), and mixing it up. Lastly, the young boy Kemba Walker had the roughest night of all: 5 points, 1-5, 3-9 from the line, 4 turnovers, and 4 fouls. As bad a night as he had, best believe he'll bounce back in succeeding tournaments, using this game as a learning experience and motivation.
Thus far, the stars seem to be aligning for Michigan St. Peaking at the right time. Playing in Detroit. Playing for the city. There's no doubt that, 1-12, North Carolina's a better team, but all the intangibles favor the Spartans.
Villanova 69, North Carolina 83
Without question, North Carolina is the most talented team in the country. Like their '05 team with Sean May, Raymond Felton, etc. this squad is loaded with 1st Round Draft Picks. Ty Lawson, Danny Green, Wayne Ellington, Tyler Hansbrough, Ed Davis are all PROS, and that was the main difference Saturday night against 'Nova. They simply overpowered the Wildcats, who had a severe size disadvantage. The Tar Heels cruised to a 14-point win, and didn't even play their best - they missed 15 free throws, and were, somehow, out-rebounded 50-46. But with their Pros, it didn't matter. Lawson (22, 8 assists, 7 rebounds) and Ellington (20 points, 9 boards) continued their stellar guard play, while Danny Green - who will probably be the best of this bunch at the next level - had 12 points, all on threes. As good as Dante Cunningham's been for the Wildcats all year, there was no way he could handle the bodies of Hansbrough (18 points, 11 boards), Davis and Deon Thompson, who combined for 11 points, 9 boards, and 3 blocks.
Already overmatched, 'Nova certainly didn't help themselves going ice cold from the field, and failing to capitalize on Lawson, Green, and Hansbrough all having three fouls early in the second half. The Wildcat's offense is predicated on their guards being able to get in the lane and finish inside or kick it out for jumpers. Neither worked, as the penetration was extremely limited, and the jumpers were contested. Unfortunately for 'Nova, they seemed to be playing with a lid on the rim. Unable to penterate the zone, the Wildcats began settling for jumpers, which turned into 32% shooting, and 5-27 from beyond the arc. Scottie Reynold led Villanova with 17 points, but was just 6-18 from the field.
Also, big ups to UNC's Bobby Frasor - one of Chicago's own - who did all the little things (7 rebounds, 5 offensive) and was always in the right place at the right time for the Tar Heels.
Durrell Summers Booms On Stanley Robinson...
Stanley Robinson's Tip Dunk...
Via: ESPN & nbcsports
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