Our draw is actually not terrible

[MarquetteBallin]

Let me explain...

I am becoming significantly more optimistic as I look at our draw. First, I don't think Michigan State is that good. In fact, they are barely above average. Yes, they have a few nice wins...but look closer at their schedule. Everything is at home. They have ONE ROAD WIN (against lowly Penn St). They are 1-9 away from East Lansing. That is nothing short of pathetic. Average basketball teams can win at home, but do nothing of significance on the road. We have athletic guards who will be able to shut-down Neitzel. Keep him quiet and they are short on scoring options. Michigan State is the poster-child of one and done basketball teams.  Marquette over Sparty is as close to a stone-cold lead pipe lock as you can get. We move on.

North Carolina in Winston-Salem is a daunting task. However, for as talented as they are, three freshman will be playing in their first NCAA tournament game...do not underestimate that. If by the grace of fluke luck we have Jerel back, I think we might be able to hang around long enough to put enough pressure on UNC in front of their home fans that they may lock up and choke. Keep in mind, Hansborough is still bothered by the mask (as evidenced in the ACC tournament) and he is only 6'8. Teams that have been able to hurt us are teams with true dominant big men down low (Butch, Hibbert, Gray, Hubert Hill from Prov, etc) I think this game is going to be closer than people think, and if Marquette hits a few threes, we all know that we can play with ANYBODY and are an exceptionally dangerous team. Either way, it will be interesting and I think the pressure is on Crean to get off the schnide and win a game or two.

[muPARTY]

while Michigan State in first round is not at all what i was hoping for, i'll take.  it'll be a tough game, but MU is used to games like that.  i liken MSU to a Villanova, West Virgina, or DePaul and they are a lesser ND and Syracuse.  so getting ready and being able to match up against MSU doesn't worry me.

the UNC matchup is where i feel we got royally screwed.  of all the #1 seeds, this was the worst place to be put; in the same state, just down the road.  UNC is also the most vulnerable of the #1 seeds.  if Jerel is in or not, the key will be same it's been all year.... drive to the hoop.  if dominic takes 14-18 shots, only 3-4 of those better be 3s.  when the rest come off drives or little jumpers 10ft out or so, MU tends to win.  in the BET against Pitt, they were taking it to them and taking the lead when DJ or Wes would take it to the hoop and kick it out to David and Fitz.  it's when James starts trying to create shots from 20+ft out that the team suffers and everyone knows it.  if he does that, guys like Ouse, Dwight, JLott don't have the talent to create their own shot in the post.  the succeed on the little put backs or the dish off from a driving guard. 

If DJ, Wes, Lazar, even David at times, take the ball to the hoop, they open up scoring opportunities for the big guys underneath, they allow Davis and Fitz to take set shots from 3 (instead of having them create), and they can get a big guy like Tyler in foul trouble.

i have faith, but it's MU sticking to the game they play for 15min most games before they puss out and stop driving.

[downtown85]

Our record against other tourney teams: 6-5

By opponent's seed:

2. 0-2
3. 2-1 (Pitt)
6. 2-2
9. 1-0
10. 1-0

This probably argues for a slightly stronger seed.  I wonder if the UNC fan base is thinking they got hosed, too.  I mean they are a number 1 seed that have to face either MU or MSU in the second round.  They shouldn't be too confident, especially if Jerel is back and MU wins in the first round. 

[SGWarrior]

I'm going to like our team's mentality going into the tournament.  We're going in underrated and as underdogs.  We're to be fighting with our backs against the wall.  I think Crean is going to be very prepared for MSU, and I think we have a good shot to knock off UNC.  I think if we can win the rebounding edge against both MSU and UNC we win both.

[WashDCWarrior]

And if we accomplish this, then what, we face Texas and Georgetown to reach the final 4.  We got screwed.  It doesn't mean we can't look at each game optimistically, but our road to the final 4 is nearly impossible.  Look if we had Vanderbilt's spot.  MUCH easier.

[tower912]

I can think of ways our team can beat MSU and UNC.   I cannot think of any way for us to guard Durant.   This is the same problem I had for the Sweet 16 team.   I thought we matched up with Duke at every position, except for Grant Hill.   Little did I know that Cherokee Parks was that much faster than big Mac.    If we survive this weekend, Durant will be our downfall.

[NYWarrior]

I can think of ways our team can beat MSU and UNC.   I cannot think of any way for us to guard Durant.

I'd sure love a shot at him!

[downtown85]

it is interesting to scan the unc message board.  Some of their fans are not too pleased with the possibility of facing MU (or MSU) in the second round.

http://mb19.scout.com/finsidecarolinafrm6.showMessage?topicID=128281.topic

[AlumKCof93]

Its great to see the respect we are getting from UNC.  One thing that's missed in being upset about our seeding is what a great opportunity we have to make an impact on the tourney this year.  Can't wait to see how it plays out.

[mwbauer7]

Not terrible?

We'll have to get through MSU, UNC, Texas and finally Georgetown to get to the final 4... but hey thats not so bad...

[SGWarrior]

Who's to say Texas is not even there in the Sweet 16.  And Georgetown may not even be there in the Elite 8.  With the competitiveness of college basketball this year I'm once again expecting mass upsets along the way, including in our East Region.  Who's to say Vandy or Arkansas doesn't make a deep run.  Or maybe we're all underating Bennet and Wash State.

[MUEng92]

Call me a pessimist, but I am not going to lose any sleep over how MU matches up with Texas.

I am telling you, watch the big white dork factor.

MU has a history of making big white dorks that have no business even showing up in the box score, look like all americans (most recently, see ND).  MSU has at least 2 of them!

[NateDoggMarq]

That guy from Holy Cross Killed

Austin  Croshere
Luke Harangody
I wish I could name more but their are probably about 10000

and especially a big white dork with red hair....We are screwed

[MUFanInGreenBay]

MSU has two white dorks in Goran Sutton and Drew Naymick. I could see either going off on us.