Michigan State-Memphis: Spartans Eye Sweet 16 Upset

Following a dramatic win over the fourth seed Pittsburgh Panthers, Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans find themselves in a familiar place. Entering their seventh Sweet Sixteen in 11 years the Spartans look to make another magical run in the month of March. 

This won’t be an easy task as they face a tough number one seed in the Memphis Tigers. The Tigers are one of the more athletic teams in the tournament, but have had trouble at the free throw line throughout the season.

They found themselves in a nail biter last Sunday evening as they blew a seven point lead in the last 33 seconds of the game. Memphis went 6-12 from the line in the closing half minute and gave the Mississippi State Bulldogs a last second chance to tie the game. Unfortunately, for the Bulldogs they were unsuccessful on a three point attempt and saw their season come to an end.

The Spartans will try to finish where the Bulldogs could not, Friday at 9:57 p.m. in what could prove to be one of the more exciting match-ups of the weekend. Both teams boast a stellar backcourt and have two very successful coaches guarding the sidelines.

The Tigers have senior leader Chris Douglas-Roberts and impressive freshman, Derrick Rose. Both have led this Memphis team to a NCAA best 35-1 record and have no intent of stopping until they are cutting down the nets April 7th.

However, standing in their way is senior star guard, Drew Neitzel and underestimated freshman guard, Kalin Lucas. Neitzel has been playing his best basketball of the season, averaging 20 points a game in the last four games. He posted a season high of 28 against the Ohio State Buckeyes and followed that with a 26 point performance against the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten semi-final.

Although he only managed five points against Temple in the first round, he played possessed in the final seven minutes of the second round game against Pittsburgh, scoring 12 of Michigan State’s final 20 points, finishing with 21.

Lucas has played exceptionally as well, adding 19 against Pitt, including a lay-up off a pass from Neitzel that sealed the win last Saturday night. As one of the quickest defenders in the nation, Lucas should be able to frustrate both of the Memphis guards.

The rest of the Spartans will also have to focus on slowing down this Memphis team, who is known for their fast-paced tempo. Look for Izzo to use a zone throughout the game, and hurry back on defense following missed shots on the offensive end.

The other intriguing match-up will be in the paint. The Tigers pose a triple threat with Joey Dorsey, Shawn Taggart, and Robert Dozier. However, the Spartans are equipped with depth at the power forward and center positions, being able to go six deep from the bench. Among the six are sophomore forward, Raymar Morgan and senior center, Drew Naymick. If these two can stay out of foul trouble, look for them to be a huge key to stopping the Memphis frontcourt.

Overall, this will be one of the many great games in the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. The Spartans have the personnel to beat the Tigers and have proven they can play defense, holding teams to 61 points in the first two rounds of the tournament.

In an exciting, closely fought game, Neitzel and Lucas will prove once again to be too much in the backcourt and Izzo will have his team fired up and ready to go come game time. Look for Memphis’ free throw problems to finally lead to their demise and John Calipari to be out-coached by Mr. Izzo.

This will likely setup another Michigan State-Texas game and another classic battle between two of the best backcourts in the country.