Wednesday, February 02, 2005
the game that wasn't
-- Illinois sank 13 of 24 attempts from 3-point range, shot 56.9 percent overall from the field, and out-classed and out-hustled Michigan State last night in Lansing. Those of you who saw the game (recap here)-- and shame on those who didn't -- need not hear me praise the Fighting Illini as the far and away the nation's best team or criticize the Spartans as significantly overrated to know that both claims are true. For more, then, on the (green and) white hype, consult the State of Michigan's chattering class.-- The Detroit News' Rob Parker, noting Michigan State has lost 11 (!) straight games to ranked opponents, suggests "MSU should have membership as elite basketball program revoked." If the gloves fit, you must acquit.
-- Detroit Free Press columnist Drew Sharp writes that only during warm-ups did MSU look like a team that could compete with Illinois.
-- Lansing State Journal stud Todd Schulz writes that the Spartans could have played better and that the faithful will never know of Michigan State's "A game" would have taken down the No. 1 ranked team in the country.
