Michigan State and Indiana both lost in the sweet sixteen of the 2013 NCAA Championship, and you'd think they wet further after watching just two minutes of them playing each other. I don't think I've seen a game with as much hustle as the Michigan State at Indiana game this Saturday. These two teams are throwing their all out on the court, and it's only forces each team drive harder and play smarter.
When I first tuned into the game, two minutes into the game, I was seeing some of the cleanest, most aggressive play I've seen in a long time. After watching the Celtics/Bulls game a couple nights earlier it was a relief to see aggressive ball without ridiculous foul calls. I truly believe that aggressive ball is NOT always worthy of fouls.
During last year's march madness bracket I went out on a limb and chose Indiana vs. Louisville for the championship game with Indiana taking the NCAA Championship. As we all know, I was wrong. Louisville dominated. Todays game, however, reminds me of why I chose them to go as far as I did. Indiana has a lot of heart, and a hell of a lot of potential, and I'm sure they'll go far.
Firstly, rebounds. I can't believe how many tip offs I've seen from rebounds. The ball is bouncing from the hoop and off about three guys' hands before finally landing in possession. Indiana though is SO GOOD at getting up to the hoop and knocking in a rebound for their team. Both teams with over 20 rebounds, and it's becoming pretty damn stressful to watch, which is incredibly impressive especially since Michigan State has been on top of their game as well, but in turnovers.
The amount of defense Michigan State has brought to this game is unbelievable. These guys are working their asses off, moving their feet as fast as possible and looking for the best possible plays they can make. And most of the time, they make those plays. They're low in defense and look for any of Indiana's faults to grab the ball and break down court. They're diving on the floor, and playing really great team ball. No greed. All team.
Michigan ST - 24, Indiana - 33 -- halftime.
I found myself saying, "What happened?" a lot during the start of the second half. Indiana far off, complete misses of the basket and both teams a lot slower. Seems they blew most their energy in the first. And to be honest, I don't know how many more turnovers Michigan St can have before Indiana learned to keep the ball tight and play smarter. They must be at 8 or 9 for the game so far.
However, they did redeem themselves. The crowd is live, they're static on the TV, and I can't even imagine how loud they are in Assembly Hall. Huddles of dark red and white standing in the crowd and you can truly feel the energy, even as I lay in my bed and watch the game from my house. This is true basketball.
Can we talk about dunks for a second? First, How? How do these guys pass without looking and dunk like they've been doing in forever? It just blows my mind.
This game in insane, and for whomever spent their day in bed, or on the couch watching NCAA basketball all day and maybe feeling like a bunch of lazybones -- don't worry, you did it right.
I can't even talk anymore about this game because I just keep wanting to write more. And say, "Daaaaamn!"
Michigan St - 73, Indiana - 56 -- final.
Michigan St - 73, Indiana - 56 -- final.
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