strongest play the the tourney so far was maryland over xavier in round two. this play is a unit stronger. playin this one for four units. as always- i offer the disclaimer saying that, while i feel strong about the play, this tournament has been wacky and anything can certainly happen. have had a very good track record with these strong plays. do with it as you wish:
4 unit tourney goy....michigan state (+4.5) over texas
key reasons for backing michigan state:
* spartans have completely controlled the tempo in their first three games- especially vs uptempo teams like florida and maryland. theyve flat out forced their opponent to play at THIER pace, and have been very solid with their half court sets.
* with no intended slight to rick barnes, izzo is the best coach left in the tournament. the way the spartans have played in this tourament clearly reflects the kind of coach he is. msu simply out-muscled colorado, florida, and maryland.
* track record of the program. izzo as a dog to go to the final 4? sometimes you gotta be willing to simply back a coach that continues to rack up tournament wins and now gets a chance to get to new orleans for yet another final four. the horns certainly will prove to be a very formidable opponent- and izzo will play the "underdog card" to his team in pre-game im sure- but i honestly dont feel like theres a true "underdog" here (meaning i dont feel that msu is inferior to texas or not on the same level as the horns at all. a SU win really wouldnt be an "upset", except in the eyes of people looking at the seeding of both teams). both teams had high expectations going into the season, and both teams are peaking. izzo continues to get the very most out of his teams and i just could not justify laying chalk with texas to advance at all. they (horns) will have a tough enough time trying to win the game.
spartans should find a way.
gl guys
4 unit tourney goy....michigan state (+4.5) over texas
key reasons for backing michigan state:
* spartans have completely controlled the tempo in their first three games- especially vs uptempo teams like florida and maryland. theyve flat out forced their opponent to play at THIER pace, and have been very solid with their half court sets.
* with no intended slight to rick barnes, izzo is the best coach left in the tournament. the way the spartans have played in this tourament clearly reflects the kind of coach he is. msu simply out-muscled colorado, florida, and maryland.
* track record of the program. izzo as a dog to go to the final 4? sometimes you gotta be willing to simply back a coach that continues to rack up tournament wins and now gets a chance to get to new orleans for yet another final four. the horns certainly will prove to be a very formidable opponent- and izzo will play the "underdog card" to his team in pre-game im sure- but i honestly dont feel like theres a true "underdog" here (meaning i dont feel that msu is inferior to texas or not on the same level as the horns at all. a SU win really wouldnt be an "upset", except in the eyes of people looking at the seeding of both teams). both teams had high expectations going into the season, and both teams are peaking. izzo continues to get the very most out of his teams and i just could not justify laying chalk with texas to advance at all. they (horns) will have a tough enough time trying to win the game.
spartans should find a way.
gl guys
