Oakland Game Recap (12/27/08)
kj on Dec 27th 2008
The Spartans knock out the Grizzlies 82-66 in a 65-possession game. Official box score.
For once, I got the keys to the game right: rebounding and 3-point shooting. MSU out-rebounded Oakland at both ends of the court and knocked down 11 of 20 three-point attempts (55.0%), resulting in the four-factor graph below:
Stats by StatSheet.com
Positives:
Perimeter shooting. Kalin [...]
Pregame Reading
kj on Dec 17th 2008
Love for The Citadel, Izzo
Background on The Citadel from the parent of a cadet.
Time to appreciate the grooviness of Izzo
Mrs. Izzo: “I don’t know that he’s done with what he wants to do at Michigan State.” (Hat tip: Chris)
Allen no longer a defensive liability for Spartans
Glad we took care of that.
Which Flint high school has [...]
Monday Night Links: The Return of Goran Draws Nigh
kj on Dec 15th 2008
Rankings Update
MSU slid a bit to #19/22 in the polls. Apparently, the voters weren’t impressed by the 118 points against Alcorn State.
We’re up to #28 in the Sagarin ratings, but still down at #39 under the Kenpom version.
The Return of Goran Draws Nigh
Goran Suton practiced today, and his knee was reportedly pain-free. There’s a chance [...]
Alcorn State Game Recap (12/13/08)
kj on Dec 13th 2008
MSU streaks by Alcorn State 118-60 in an 81-possession game. Official box score.
When your back-up point guard has 11 assists, you know it’s been a very long night for your opponent.
Michigan State dominated this game in every way possible:
Stats by StatSheet.com
Most indicative of the way this game was played, though, are the following numbers:
MSU recorded [...]
Bradley Game Recap (12/7/08)
kj on Dec 7th 2008
MSU runs by the Braves 75-59 in a 78-possession game. Official box score.
The final margin was right in the range it should be against a medium-strength mid-major like Bradley. But this win felt unsatisfying for several reasons:
MSU came out looking unprepared and a step slow against Bradley’s perimter-oriented offense. The Braves scored 17 points in [...]
North Carolina Game Recap (12/3/08)
kj on Dec 4th 2008
The Tarheels dismantle the Spartans 98-63 in an 83-possession game. Official box score.
In terms of analyzing the full 40 minutes of the game, the Statsheet “Stat of the Day” sums things up neatly: “Michigan State did not beat North Carolina at any of the 4 factors.”
So let’s talk about the two halves of the game [...]
MSU at the Old Spice Classic: A Statistical Review
kj on Dec 1st 2008
Going into this weekend, I said a 2-1 record in the Old Spice Classic would be a “solid outcome.” But that was contingent on winning the opening game against Maryland–which we didn’t.
Nevertheless, I don’t think we should get too despondent about MSU’s Old Spice Classic results (although yours truly was pretty despondent late Thursday night). [...]