NCAA Tournament: Michigan State vs. LSU fearless prediction and game preview.
Broadcast
Date: Friday, March 29
Game Time: Coming
Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington DC
Network: Coming
All You Really Need To Know About Michigan State (30-6)
(Big Ten), NCAA NET Rank: 8. East 2-seed
Yawn.
Michigan State’s biggest issue has been its screamy head coach, with Tom Izzo being a big part of the national discussion over the first few days of the tournament. But there weren’t all that many problems with Bradley – at least in the second half – and it was a light scrimmage against Minnesota in the 70-50 win.
The Spartans didn’t just beat the Gophers on the boards; they obliterated them 45-19. The defense was amazing at keeping the Minnesota outside shooters from getting back in the game – the Gophers hit just 2-of-22 shots – but there were way, way too many turnovers. The Spartans didn’t force too many mistakes, but they gave it up 22 times.
That can’t happen against LSU. They have to play a much, much tighter game than they did over the opening weekend.
All You Really Need To Know About LSU (28-6)
(SEC), NCAA NET Rank: 14. East 3-seed
LSU seemed to miss everything possible in the second half against Maryland after coasting easily in the first half, but it all turned out just fine when Tremont Waters hit his underhanded layup for a thrilling 69-67 win.
The Tigers can’t afford to be so awful from three again, and they can’t take the second half off like they did in the first two tournament games.
Even though they’re a bit young, and they don’t have head coach Will Wade, they don’t turn the ball over all that much, they’re great at generating pressure and forcing steals, and they’re amazing on the boards. But they already faced a Big Ten team in Maryland and got roasted on the glass – losing 42-34. Michigan State is a whole other animal.
What’s Going To Happen
Minnesota is far better on the boards than they showed against the Spartans, but that didn’t matter. LSU can’t get destroyed on the glass, and it won’t.
The Tiger big men can’t get into foul trouble like they did against Maryland, and they have to put together a full 40 minutes. This is the game where the Michigan State turnover issues will matter, with LSU coming up with steal after steal, and converting enough to pull this off.
Once again, it’ll be tight down the stretch for the Tigers, but the free throw shooting will come through.
Fearless Prediction & Line
LSU 68, Michigan State 65
Line: Coming, o/u: Coming
ATS Confidence: Coming
5: Watching games by Vegas pool working on fruity drink No. 3
1: Watching game online while doing TPS reports in your cubicle
