No. 4 Michigan
State vs. No. 1 Virginia
Time: 9:57PM
ET
Venue: Madison
Square Garden
TV: TBS
Records: Michigan
State 28-8; Virginia 30-6
Michigan State
stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (16.9 ppg); Rebounds – Branden
Dawson (8.3 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.6 apg); Steals – Harris (1.9 spg).
Virginia stat
leaders: Points – Malcolm Brogdon (12.6 ppg); Rebounds – Akil Mitchell
(7.0 rpg); Assists – London Perrantes (3.8 apg); Steals – Brogdon (1.1 spg).
Current Streaks: Michigan
State W5, Virginia W5
Point Spread: Michigan
State -2
Prediction: This
game should be interesting. There is no doubt it is likely to be a physical
contest. Virginia brings in one of the best defenses in the country and
Michigan State counters with one of the most talented offenses in the nation.
On the flip side, Virginia is average on offense, and Michigan State lacks
focus on defense at times. It will be important for MSU to match Virginia’s
defensive intensity. The Spartans can win this game with defense. Virginia isn’t
going to run wild on offense and light it up from 3-point land unless the
Spartans allow them to. Strong defense can also lead to transition
opportunities on offense, which will be the Spartans’ best chance to attack the
Cavaliers’ defense. The refs could play a big role in this game. It is sure to
be physical in the paint and MSU can’t afford to have Payne and Dawson get into
foul trouble. Both have been key in the tournament run. I still feel strongly
that a good offense will beat a good defense in college basketball. Obviously
the offense has to shoot well, but I think MSU has such a variety of weapons that
it will find the hot hand throughout the game. Virginia is going to have to
have one of its best nights offensively to win this game, and I don’t see that
happening. The Spartans should be mentally ready for this game and be able to
win. Michigan State 70, Virginia 63
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