In Reply to: KenPom says MSU 73-69. Torvik likes MSU 72-68. I'm just glad... posted by Born2BBruin on March 12, 2026 at 21:57:15
You are so right about that.
Have read that this is a test for Cronin, whether he can get these guys to defend better this time around. (He recruited these guys for sure - he owns that, has no choice, But here they are and I think it's about them now. I think it's simpler than simply "let's blame the coach for how he's coaching them."). You play with the players you have and basketball is, to a large extent, a matter of matchups. And for this collection of players, this is a very disadvantageous matchup tonight.
These guys are simply not great defenders, most of them. Add MSU's size advantages and this game is asking our players to rise above their normal level and overcome clear disadvantages. Add Clark's shooting slump, our struggles on the road and outside our own time zone (to say the least) and to me this is essentially a matter of trying to beat a team that represents a really bad match up for us.
I've got my fingers crossed. I hope Skyy regains his touch (widens his base again on his three point attempts); Book takes this game on and makes a statement especially on defense; and we stuff Fears and his Fearsful Foot to the nether regions. Hope we move on.
But 4 points? Wow. We have to root for an upset, a victory. But predicting that outcome? No way I could do that. But fully agree - if the game is in that range we have a real chance. Looking forward to our chance at this