NCAA Sweet 16: (9) Northern Iowa vs (5) Michigan State

• Azubuike24

  

  Again, so many storylines coming into this game. Both teams coming off emotional weekends with dramatic victories, but you have to wonder how MSU will respond with a veteran club minus Kalin Lucas against a team who has to kick it into gear after what was likely the greatest weekend in school history.
  
  I actually like Northern Iowa to win here. They will actually have a big advantage inside, and honestly, I think Adam Koch can limit Raymar Morgan enough that MSU is going to struggle mightily to score. This game is going to be in the high-50's at most, and will probably be close, but it sets up perfectly for UNI to have a chance to go to the Final Four.
  
  Interestingly enough, UNI is a 2-point underdog. I definitely will be on that.
• wes_mantooth

  

  Izzo is a hell of a coach, but I just think they are too shorthanded to win this one.
• Cleveland Buck

  

  If Lucas wasn't hurt, I take Sparty in a second. Without him, it will be tough. Lucious is a good shooter, but their offense suffers when he has to run the show. I don't think UNI plays as well as they did against KU, so it will be close. Even without Lucas, Michigan State will still have a better player at every position except PG. Too close to call right now. If UNI holds onto that magic for one more game, then they will keep playing. If not, Sparty will grind out a close one.
• Azubuike24

  

  Does Michigan State have a better center than Eglseder? Not sure Morgan is better than Koch either. It's pretty close without Lucas, talent-wise. I'll give you SG and SF, but the other 3 are really close.
• Cleveland Buck

  

  Draymond Green is a hell of a player. I don't think he starts, but he plays starter minutes. I would take him over Eglseder.
• Laley23

  

  I think in terms of pure talent MSU is better than UNI at every position. But that is the case with most mid majors vs the Big Six conferences. They win with experience and smart play. I think this game is decided squarely at the PG position. Whichever team gets the bigger impact (relative to what is needed on the given night) they will win.
• CinciX12

  

  Come on Spartans!
• Terry_Tate

  

  I made a bet with a buddy before the season that Michigan State would make at least the Elite 8 this year. When the brackets came out I almost just gave him the 20 bucks, but thought nah, if anyone can beat Kansas it's Tom Izzo. Glad that doesn't matter.
  
  I think this should be one of the more entertaining games of the weekend. May not be pretty, but will be fun to watch, and whoever wins will probably have their last win of the tournament, though stranger things have happened. If Northern Iowa was going up against pretty much anyone else I'd be rooting for them, but gotta root for Sparty on Friday.
• Azubuike24

  

  Cleveland Buck wrote: Draymond Green is a hell of a player. I don't think he starts, but he plays starter minutes. I would take him over Eglseder.

  Green isn't a center though. MSU has no true center. Green has a really nice game, I wish he would have stayed at Kentucky, but MSU doesn't have anyone who can match Eglseder's size. That doesn't mean they can't stop him, but they don't have the advantage at the 5.
  
  They do have more quality depth, I won't deny that, but starter for starter, UNI isn't that far off.
• Hb31187

  

  UNI seems to be the trendy pick
• centralbucksfan

  I'll go with MSU. No way I can go against Izzo and the experience of being there and done that vs a team that hasn't been this far. If Roe and Allen are capable of playing, and doing ok....I just believe Izzo will rally the troops. You know what he is telling his team every day right now....everyone is picking against you, with Lucas, no one thinks you have a chance, etc, etc. The guy will have his team motivated and ready to go. He will make this game a physical, ugly game from the start. They will win it as they typically do, offensive rebounding will be the difference. UNI is certianly good enough to win...but I like MSU in this game.
• Hb31187

  

  937 tip...I thinkt hat NIU stays in it at first, and slowly just gets worn down by MSU
• Dr Jones

  MSU by 8 Izzo best game coach of all time ...IMO...... and then off to play OSU for final four birth.....GO GREEN GO WHITE
• Azubuike24

  

  Surprised at so many people who are thinking MSU will be too much.
  
  I think the opposite.
  
  This line has moved from MSU -2 to even, and some even have UNI as a slight favorite now.
  
  Everyone is trending toward the Panthers.
• Eric Taylor

  I am hoping Northern Iowa wins tonight and makes the Final 4.
• Hb31187

  

  Cindarella story ends tonight
• Mulva

  

  Derrick Nix belongs at dinner with the Klumps, not playing major college basketball.
• Cleveland Buck

  

  Looks like Sparty has no chance without Lucas.
• Cleveland Buck

  

  Can't even get a good look on offense.
• Mulva

  

  Northern Iowa just looks like the better team. This wouldn't be an upset at all.
• Hb31187

  

  Damn delvon.....
• Mulva

  

  That follow dunk was the most explosive I've seen him look since he blew his knee up in high school. I've always been a Delvon fan.
• Hb31187

  

  lol they just throw the ball up and have Summers go get it
• Non

  

  51-49 State
  
  only 3:17 left
• Non

  

  you have to think Tennessee should do well against the winner of this game if they continue playing how they've been playing
  
  althought it doesn't always work out like that
  
  new game, different day