MSU Gets Second Shot At Tar Heels

Tomorrow night, Michigan State gets their second chance at North Carolina with everything on the line. Earlier this season, as you may remember, the Tar Heels embarrassed Michigan State on the same floor by 35 points.

The Spartans haven't forgotten.

Both teams are clicking on all cylinders. Both teams are deep. Both are experienced. And both have head coaches who have been in this situation before. All that should make for a very compelling national championship game.

Raymar Morgan finally busted through his seemingly year-long slump with a terrific game in their Final Four win versus Connecticut. Korie Lucious hit some big shots in the first half and Mr. Dependable, Kalin Lucas was able to do what he does best -- create, either for himself or for his teammates. It was a complete game by Michigan State, but what do they need to do this time around to avenge their early season loss? Here are three keys:

1. Push the ball. North Carolina will run up-tempo at times, too, but this is Michigan State's style. Lots of possessions, quicken the game and tire your opponent.

2. Go after Hansbrough...early. He didn't have the luxory of having to defend Suton in their first match-up, but I would take the ball out of his hands, double him and force someone else to beat you. UNC has a lot of weapons, but attempting to neutralize their best may go along way. Attack him on the offensive end, too. Getting him in foul trouble early would be huge.

3. Use the crowd. 3/4ths of that arena tomorrow will be wearing green. The whole state is at your backs. Use the momentum to rattle the Tar Heels.

Other news:
-- ESPN's Mark Schlabach spoke with Big Ten commisioner Jim Delaney, who defended the conference with some decent arguing points. Notice the words: "east-coast bias".

-- Nothing helps recruit better than winning. Case in point? Penn State's recent commitment of Taran Buie, a Top 100 player for the 2010 recruiting class. Oh yeah, he's Talor Battle's younger brother.