The Spartans play Northwestern today in a game that won’t get much attention nationally but it shouldn’t be overlooked because it’s another step toward shaking out the Big Ten.
It’s well advertised, the Spartans are #1 in Big Ten and #6 in the country with a record of 15-2 overall and 4-0 Big Ten but moreover, the Spartans are a team that is becoming more cohesive and stronger with each game. It’s worth remembering, the Spartans commenced the season with ‘back to back’ losses to North Carolina and Duke but then set upon a 15 game winning streak.
Northwestern on the other hand is 11-5 overall and 1-3 Big Ten and likely to finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten but don’t tell that to Illinois or Michigan. The Wildcats are 1-3 in the Big Ten but two of those losses were to 4-1 Illinois and 4-1 Michigan. Northwestern lost by one point to Illinois on Jan 4…then lost to Michigan by two points on Jan 11 and don’t forget, Illinois is the same team who beat #5 Ohio State last Tuesday night by 5 points. So the Spartans can’t overlook the Wildcats, but the Spartans haven’t come this far by overlooking their opponents.
In the best measure of intensity, work ethic and chemistry, the Spartans lead the Big Ten in Rebound Margin…#2 in Blocked Shots…#2 in Defensive FG percentage…and #2 in Steals. Those are ‘hustle’ stats that take opportunities away from the opposition and awards more chances to the Spartans. To put those stats into perspective, here is a comparison amongst the top Big Ten teams:
· Rebound Margin 9.9 (Ohio State 8.3; Illinois 4.2; Michigan 3.4)
· Blocked Shots 4.9 (Illinois 4.8; Ohio State 2.6; Michigan 2.5)
· Def FG % 37.3% (Ohio State 40.0; Illinois 40.5; Michigan 40.9)
· Steals 8.5 (Ohio State 8.3; Illinois 5.9; Michigan 4.2)
Taken by themselves, these defensive stats don’t paint much of a picture but collectively, the Stats paint a picture of relentless intimidation. Just like football…a dominating Defense disrupts the rhythm and flow of the Offense…and an Offense that is out of sync is an Offense that gets frustrated…desperate…and ultimately melts down at crunch time!
And in that context, the Spartans don’t want Northwestern to get into a rhythm. Northwestern lacks depth but they don’t lack talent. John Shurna at 6’9” is particularly troublesome. He is the leading scorer in the Big Ten with an 18.9 PPG avg. Moreover, Shurna is a devastating shooter from the field including beyond the Arc (42.6%) so that causes immense matchup problems for any team because Shurna can post up inside or he can go outside to shoot the ‘3’. Shurna also leads Northwestern in Rebounding at 6.1 RPG and he contributes 2.6 assists. So, Shurna is a complete player who has the wherewithal to change the complexion of the game and he doesn’t quit until the buzzer sounds.
The Spartans also need to be aware of the efficient presence of 6’5” Drew Crawford who averages 17.4 PPG and shoots 51% from the field…and the Spartans need pressure on Dave Sobolewski, the 6’1” Freshman who plays the point. Sobolewski manages the game well…distributes the ball efficiently and gets almost 4 assists per game. And then there is the Home Field Advantage. The Wildcats are a “tough out” at Welsh-Ryan Arena but……….
If I’m placing an emotional bet then I’m betting on the coach who has been to 6 Final Fours in the past 13 season…and that coach is Tom Izzo!!!
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