Tag: Virginia Basketball

REPORT: MSU Basketball non-conference schedule finalized, including season-opener vs. EMU

We are still awaiting the official announcement, but the Michigan State basketball non-conference schedule appears to be finalized.

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We are still awaiting the official announcement, but the Michigan State basketball non-conference schedule appears to be finalized — and just in time for the season that starts next week.

Kyle Austin of MLive reported on Tuesday that the Spartans will open the season against in-state foe Eastern Michigan on Nov. 25 (the first day games can be played this season). The game will reportedly take place at the Breslin Center, but there are no additional details at this point in time.

With the season-opener officially known, we have what is believed to be the finalized non-conference schedule. Here is the non-conference slate:

  • Nov. 25 – Eastern Michigan
  • Nov. 28 – Notre Dame
  • Dec. 1 – at Duke (part of Champions Classic)
  • Dec. 4 – Detroit
  • Dec. 6 – Western Michigan
  • Dec. 9 – at Virginia (part of ACC-Big Ten Challenge)
  • Dec. 13 – Oakland

Keep in mind that this is based on reports and announcements from other schools since Michigan State has yet to officially post their schedule. The Spartans should be announcing something very soon, based on this tweet from MSU Associate Athletic Director Kevin Pauga:

The Big Ten has yet to reveal the conference slate for the 2020-21 season, but as Austin pointed out in a follow-up tweet, it appears the conference schedule won’t begin until after Dec. 13. In the past two seasons, there were a pair of conference games in the middle of December to break up the non-conference slate, but that won’t be the case this year.

Stay with Spartans Wire for more updates on the MSU Basketball schedule

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REPORT: MSU will play at Virginia in ACC-Big Ten Challenge

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported on Thursday evening that Virginia will host Michigan State in this year’s ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

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It appears Michigan State will be heading to Charlottesville for this year’s edition of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported on Thursday evening that Virginia will host Michigan State in this year’s annual battle between the Big Ten and ACC. This match-up will have a little bit of extra buzz to it because it’ll feature a battle between two brothers — Joey Hauser of MSU and Sam Hauser of Virginia.

Earlier on Thursday, Izzo met with reporters and said he was hopeful the schedule would be finalized in the next few days — and mentioned potential match-ups against Duke (as part of the Champions Classic), Notre Dame and other in-state opponents. Should MSU get Duke and Notre Dame on the schedule, that would mean the Spartans have three games against ACC teams in non-conference play.

Click here to see all of the reported ACC-Big Ten Challenge match-ups.

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Scouting Report: 2021 five-star Patrick Baldwin Jr.

After tackling a number of Wisconsin commits in our BadgersWire scouting report series, we now turn to one of the top in-state recruits in the history of the Badger state. Patrick Baldwin Jr. is the truth. The class of 2021 “small forward” (in …

After tackling a number of Wisconsin commits in our BadgersWire scouting report series, we now turn to one of the top in-state recruits in the history of the Badger state. Patrick Baldwin Jr. is the truth. The class of 2021 “small forward” (in reality, he does not have a true position) has an NBA frame and an NBA jumper to go along with it. The Sussex, Wis. (Hamilton) native recently released his top ten schools, and had Wisconsin included with the likes of ACC powerhouses Duke (where he has been closely linked), North Carolina, and Virginia. He also has family ties included on his list as his father Patrick Baldwin Sr. is the Head Coach at UW-Milwaukee.

Patrick Baldwin Jr. in one word: Ok, I have to cheat with this one. Using two words, the 6-foot-9 prospect can best be described as under control. There are nearly no moments on tape where the Hamilton star looks rushed, frazzled, or like he is not playing at his own pace. In fact, oftentimes he looks like he is playing at a completely slower pace than others around him, yet he dominates games without being in a hurry.

Breaking it down: Breaking down Baldwin Jr’s strengths begins with his jump shot. When you watch the five-star prospect shoot it almost looks like his shot was created in a lab. His mechanics are scary good. Like NBA sharpshooter Klay Thompson-level good. At 6-foot-9 with tremendous length, he can get his shot off against almost anybody at any time. Whether it’s a pull-up three in transition, a quick catch-and-shoot, or an off the dribble jumper, Baldwin Jr. can cash it because of consistent mechanics and a quick trigger.

His handle is fluid and consistent for his size. There is an element of smooth in his dribble moves, and he has quite a few in the bag. The Wisconsin native has a bounce to his step with the basketball in his hands and the explosive ability to go up and over nearly all defenders at the high school level.

Baldwin Jr. also excels with his face-up game. Instead of playing with his back to the basket, he is more comfortable facing up against his defender and making a quick move off the dribble.

As I previously said, there never seems to be any rush in the five-star prospect’s game. Couple that with his size, length, and mobility, to go along with a perfect jump shot from a mechanics perspective, and you have one of the best offensive recruits in the history of Wisconsin high school basketball.

In terms of his size, many will say that the class of 2021 prospect needs to add muscle in the weight room. At under 200 pounds and 6-foot-9, he will certainly add muscle at the next level, but just how much should he add to his frame? When I watch Baldwin Jr., one of the first NBA comparisons that pops into my mind is Kevin Durant. Durant is not only one of the greatest scorers in the history of the game, but also a player that is known as the ‘slim reaper’ and a star that never added to his frame in a significant way. The way Baldwin Jr. plays and the direction that the game is headed in makes me question just how much he should change his physique.

Overall: Whoever gets the Wisconsin product is obviously landing one of the best players in the country. It is hard to find a glaring weakness offensively, and the combination of a pure jump shot, mobility, and size is rare to see at any level. If things go as planned for a player that is currently a consensus top-five prospect in his class, Baldwin Jr. is going to be a high-NBA lottery pick.

 

2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: Midwest Region, Elite 8

Kansas takes on Virginia in the Elite Eight simulation.

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: Midwest Region, Elite 8

Who gets the last bid to the Final Four?

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 5 Virginia

The Final Four is nearly set with the final game being between Virginia and No. 1 Kansas. If the Jayhawks win then they will join Dayton as the only other top seed to make the Final Four. Virginia is looking to win back-to-back national titles but getting past the Jayhawk powerhouse will be no easy feat.

As a reminder, we are simulating these games over at What If Sports and are doing just like the NCAA Tournament, one loss and you’re out.

Final score: No. 1 Kansas 73, No. 5 Virginia 66

Kansas is onto the Final Four after dispatching of Virginia by a mere seven points which was aided by a six-point first-half lead. Kansas led from the 13:21 mark in the first half and never looked back and is now off to another Final Four under Bill Self.

The difference was the Kansas defense that held Virginia to 41 percent from the field compared to the 51 percent that the Jayhawks shot to get the win.

 

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ACC Tournament: Betting Odds

The most interesting bet on the board to me is Louisville at +340.

Tuesday night kicks off the 2020 ACC Tournament from Greensboro, North Carolina.  The four top seeds; Florida State, Virginia, Louisville and Duke all get a bye into the quarterfinals that begin Thursday but odds are out for all 14 ACC schools.

Per BetMGM, top-seeded Florida State enters the tournament as a +200 betting favorite.  For the inexperienced gamblers, that simply means for every dollar you risk betting Florida State to win it all, you’ll be rewarded with two dollars in winnings.  For instance – a ten dollar bet on Florida State would pay $30 ($20 in winnings and your $10 bet back).  Keep that in mind for the rest of the odds.

Duke may enter the tournament with the fourth seed but has the second best odds of winning at +240.  No. 3 Louisville (+340) and No.4 Virginia (+700) round out the teams with byes through the first and second rounds.

From there odds drop significantly as you’ll find No. 5 North Carolina State at +2500 while No. 6 Syracuse and No. 8 Clemson both pay +3300 odds.  After that is finally where you’ll find No. 7 Notre Dame at +4000 or 40-1 odds.

No. 14 North Carolina checks in at +5500 before No. 9 Miami and No. 13 Wake Forest at +10000.  No. 11 Virginia Tech has the second longest odds at +15000 while Notre Dame’s first round opponent, No. 10 Boston College has the longest odds on the board at +20000.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 2/8 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The most interesting bet on the board to me is Louisville at +340.  They dropped two of their final three regular season contests and three of their final six but find themselves with plenty of talent and on the other side of the bracket than both Florida State and Duke, instead having a very-beatable despite good Virginia team on their side.

Want to get in on the action? Place your bet now at BetMGM.” 

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Notre Dame/Virginia: Betting Information

Notre Dame has won four straight games and has covered in their last five contests

As of mid Tuesday afternoon, Notre Dame is an understandable underdog tonight at Virginia.  The Cavaliers will enter the matchup as a 4.5 point favorite as the total is set at just 117.5.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USATODAY Sports Betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated February 9 at 12:10 p.m. ET.

Notre Dame enters plays 15-8 overall, 6-6 in the ACC and 3-4 on the road. Virginia starts the evening 15-7 with a 7-5 ACC clip and 10-3 home mark.

For what it’s worth, Notre Dame has won four straight games and has covered in their last five contests.  The underdog has also 4-1 against the spread over the last five meetings between Notre Dame and Virginia.

Want to get in on the action? Place your bet now at BetMGM.

-Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Notre Dame/Virginia Basketball: Five Numbers to Know

Notre Dame is still pretty far from serious NCAA Tournament consideration this March but a win over bubble team Virginia would certainly be a nice step Tuesday night.

Notre Dame has won four straight games as their ACC record has gone from just 2-6 to a much more respectable 6-6.  Things get tougher starting tonight though as Mike Brey and the Fighting Irish are in Charlottesville, Virginia to take on the defending national champions.

Notre Dame is still pretty far from serious NCAA Tournament consideration this March but a win over bubble team Virginia would certainly be a nice step Tuesday night.

With that preface, here are five numbers to be aware of heading into tonight’s Notre Dame vs. Virginia match-up.

Five Numbers:

1 – That’s the number of ACC teams who are scheduled to play three conference road games in a seven day stretch that season.  Which team is it, you ask?  Notre Dame as game two of three (at Duke, Saturday) takes place tonight.

2 – The number of wins Notre Dame has all-time in basketball against Virginia.  It leaves a lot to be desired seeing as the Cavaliers have taken 12 versus the Fighting Irish.

4 – Where Mr. Double-Double, John Mooney could be by the end of this evening in total rebounds by any Notre Dame player during the Mike Brey era.  His 815 are the sixth most for any Notre Dame player since Brey took over and with nine or more this evening he’ll pass both Zach Auguste (822) and Pat Connaughton (823) on the all-time list.

6 – Where Notre Dame enters Tuesday night’s contest ranked nationally in terms of assists per game.  Their 17.2 assists per night are the best in the ACC.  For comparison, Virginia is averaging 11.2 per game.

19.4 – That’s the amount of points per game more that Notre Dame scores than Virginia (76.2-56.8).  However, the Cavaliers also allow just 51.7 to Notre Dame’s 68.4 and have found success in their ways with a 15-7 overall record and 7-5 ACC mark.

Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET from Charlottesville, Virginia and can be seen on ESPN 2.

Wisconsin needs to follow Virginia, not move away from it

Reflections on the Wisconsin Badgers through the prism of the Virginia Cavaliers.

It is not an accident or an idle coincidence that when Wisconsin Badgers basketball is mentioned, one of the other major college programs which often comes to mind is Virginia.

The Cavaliers and the Badgers have some obvious stylistic and method-based connections. We know that Dick Bennett began this golden era of Wisconsin hoops, and that Tony Bennett took the Bennett Formula to Virginia by way of Washington State. When Virginia beat Purdue to make the Final Four this past spring, it was another instance of a member of the Bennett family beating Purdue, as was the case in the 2000 Albuquerque Regional Final, when Dick Bennett beat Gene Keady for a ticket to Indianapolis and a national semifinal against Michigan State.

The other big connection between Wisconsin and Virginia is neatly explained below. The two programs have a deserved reputation for playing great defense, but have never received due credit for running structured, smart, fluid, often beautiful offense which — at its best — is highly efficient:

As the commentator above noted, this year is a year when the “ugly offense” critique of Wisconsin and Virginia is finally right. This leads me to my main point: Even though Virginia is struggling on offense at a level which is comparable to Wisconsin, the Cavaliers still serve as a model for what this specific Wisconsin team (2019-20, not necessarily the program in a larger context beyond this season) can become.

I will begin to explain that thesis statement with this general point: Virginia’s offense HAS been really bad this season. If you haven’t noticed, here’s all you need to know:

The Cavaliers have shot poorly in a lot of games. Yet, they have lost only once. They have some good road (Syracuse) and neutral (Arizona State) wins in addition to a home win over a very good Vermont team. No, they are not going to be a No. 1 seed this March, but they figure to be very good. They’re not a complete team, but they’re going to be fine. Why? Their defense.

Yes, Virginia is going to lose games this season which it won last season because it doesn’t have DeAndre Hunter, Kyle Guy, or Ty Jerome to hit big baskets. However, UVA is still going to win a lot of games with its defense, which enabled the Hoos to win games this season in which they scored 48 (held Syracuse to 34), 48 (held Arizona State to 45), and 46 points (held Maine to 26). Virginia will lose some rock fights, but it will win some as well. All things considered, an incredible defense won’t fully cancel out a weak offense, but it will compensate more than a lot of other teams would be able to do.

This is the path forward for Wisconsin, at least in the short term while Greg Gard tries to develop his offense (and the NCAA intolerably fails to allow Micah Potter to play). Yes, the Badgers definitely have to improve at the offensive end of the floor; you don’t need to say anything more to any Wisconsin fan on that point. However: Wisconsin did allow North Carolina State to score 26 points in a 10-minute segment at the start of the second half on Wednesday night in Raleigh.

Wisconsin might not be able to make threes this season — just like Virginia — but the Badgers can always defend better. They can always get in better position. They can always rotate and slide and move their feet. They can always box out. They can always contest shots. Wisconsin has to be able to win a 48-45 game, at least this season. THIS team isn’t the Frank Kaminsky team. It isn’t the 2017 team, either. This team won’t be pretty; that’s okay… as long as it can learn to win ugly.

We make use of what we have, not what we wish for. Wisconsin games don’t figure to be elegant. So be it. This team has to embrace rugged rock fights in which it wins not by scoring, but by preventing the opponent from filling it up. Yes, Virginia is struggling on offense. Yet, the Badgers need to embrace Tony Bennett’s methods MORE, not less, in this season of pronounced limitations.