One way to stop State: Gang up on Roberts
Lawrence Roberts' status for tonight's game at Georgia remains up in the air with his strained thigh, but there's one thing for certain if he plays.
The defensive game plan has been clearly established in the past few games: double-team him, and when that doesn't work triple-team him.
"II think everybody's just come to the conclusion you can't stop him with one guy," said Georgia coach Dennis Felton "He's just so talented and has such a variety of ways to score. He can overpower you, he can outquick you, he can use his athleticism, jump over you, and he's got skills to go with it. He's got instincts to beat whatever you do to guard him."
If he plays tonight, it'll provide a big test for Georgia (8-15, 2-10 Southeastern Conference) which plays a slew of walk-ons as Felton rebuilds the program. His team has struggled with big men inside, having to rely on young players.
Mississippi State (18-8, 6-6) faces a must-win game. It has lost two straight for the first time in nearly two seasons, and needs to start building some momentum to have any chance of postseason success.
State lost in what appeared to be a sure opportunity for victory against lowly Auburn earlier this month. A loss to the worst team in the league would extend its struggling stretch that now includes six losses in 10 games.
Even without Roberts, State has 7-footer Marcus Campbell to provide some muscle inside.
"All of that is going to pose a tough challenge," said Felton, who got leading scorer Levi Stukes back Saturday in a victory over Auburn. "We're going to have to work very hard not to get pushed around."
Roberts' foul troubles and second-half injury at Kentucky on Saturday helped open playing time for vaunted freshman Charles Rhodes. He had eight points, six rebounds and three blocks in 13 minutes of play.
Like fellow freshman Walter Sharpe, he's had to take care of off-the-court matters to earn some playing time.
"We know his ability. It's not something that surprises us," State coach Rick Stansbury said. "It's about taking care of details. When he does that, it carries over on the court and it will allow him to get some playing time."
Lawrence Roberts' status for tonight's game at Georgia remains up in the air with his strained thigh, but there's one thing for certain if he plays.
The defensive game plan has been clearly established in the past few games: double-team him, and when that doesn't work triple-team him.
"II think everybody's just come to the conclusion you can't stop him with one guy," said Georgia coach Dennis Felton "He's just so talented and has such a variety of ways to score. He can overpower you, he can outquick you, he can use his athleticism, jump over you, and he's got skills to go with it. He's got instincts to beat whatever you do to guard him."
If he plays tonight, it'll provide a big test for Georgia (8-15, 2-10 Southeastern Conference) which plays a slew of walk-ons as Felton rebuilds the program. His team has struggled with big men inside, having to rely on young players.
Mississippi State (18-8, 6-6) faces a must-win game. It has lost two straight for the first time in nearly two seasons, and needs to start building some momentum to have any chance of postseason success.
State lost in what appeared to be a sure opportunity for victory against lowly Auburn earlier this month. A loss to the worst team in the league would extend its struggling stretch that now includes six losses in 10 games.
Even without Roberts, State has 7-footer Marcus Campbell to provide some muscle inside.
"All of that is going to pose a tough challenge," said Felton, who got leading scorer Levi Stukes back Saturday in a victory over Auburn. "We're going to have to work very hard not to get pushed around."
Roberts' foul troubles and second-half injury at Kentucky on Saturday helped open playing time for vaunted freshman Charles Rhodes. He had eight points, six rebounds and three blocks in 13 minutes of play.
Like fellow freshman Walter Sharpe, he's had to take care of off-the-court matters to earn some playing time.
"We know his ability. It's not something that surprises us," State coach Rick Stansbury said. "It's about taking care of details. When he does that, it carries over on the court and it will allow him to get some playing time."
