Ohio State cliff notes game plan
Almost anytime you play a Tom Izzo coached Michigan State team, it comes down to rebounding and fastbreak points. The Spartans like to get out and go and push the ball down the court as soon as the ball goes through the hoop on the defensive end, and if you’re not back and ready, they’ll sneak some easy points.
And on the glass, it’s just a part of the culture taught by Izzo. The team will crash the boards on both ends, looking for extra opportunities. It works more often than not. The OSU players have to be tough in this one and box out, claw for loose balls, and hope for the best.
“Just playing Michigan State basketball for this little stretch. We’ve been rebounding, running, defending, and that’s what we do best.”#SpartanDawgs x #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/PjuxbCTnna
— Michigan State Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 30, 2019
On the offensive end, Ohio State has enjoyed a lot of success recently in pulling big men out from the basket by stretching Kaleb Wesson on the perimeter. It might be the way to go in this one too. Big man Xavier Tillman is much more comfortable and effective guarding big men in the post, and getting him out in space could open up driving lanes and post-up opportunities for guys like E.J. Lidell and Andre Wesson.
Next … Key Player And Prediction