Wednesday's Shootaround: Quick thoughts

Sorry we didn't get the Shootaround up today as we were experiencing some internet issues this morning at BIAH headquarters. There were quite a few interesting developments from last night's games, so here are just a few thoughts from the games last night:

• The one thing I haven't seen mentioned anywhere today is how often the Spartans shot themselves in the foot last night. Sparty was down 19 in the second half, and cut the lead all the way down to six. Now imagine if they hadn't turned the ball over three times on fast breaks, if Kalin Lucas or Raymar Morgan had come up with that steal in the back court instead of colliding, or if MSU hadn't given up those two offensive rebounds off of free throws late in the game. Michigan State could have very easily won this game if they had played their best in the second half.
  
• We knew that UNC was going to be tough in the paint. Everyone knew that. But it was the play of their young perimeter players that really made the difference last night. Dexter Strickland and John Henson didn't play huge roles, but both made positive contributions, especially during UNC's big first half run.
• Larry Drew is playing great basketball right now. He finished the night with 18 points and 6 assists. He also looked much better leading the break, as UNC really ran the floor well last night, especially in the first half. No one is expecting production like that from him for the entire season, but if he can continue to play this well running the team and making good decisions with the ball, UNC might just be back in the conversation for the ACC title.
  

• We know about how good the Boilermakers are defensively, but it is still astonishing when they put on a defensive performance like they did in the second half yesterday. Think about this - by the end of the game, Purdue had complete control and they were just 1-15 from three with Robbie Hummel struggling. Right now, Purdue is the best team in the Big Ten. That could change once Kalin Lucas starts playing better, but until that happens the Boilermakers are the team to beat in that league.
• Ish Smith played great last night, getting into the lane almost at will. While Purdue did a better job against him in the second half, they don't really have someone that can match-up with a quick guard like Smith. On a team with more offensive weapons (i.e. Michigan State with Lucas), this could be a big problem.
  

• Northwestern is a real feel good story, the way they have responded to the injury to Kevin Coble. Believe me, I will be rooting for those kids to play their way into the NCAA's. But be sure you temper your expectations. The three power conference teams they have beaten (Iowa State, Notre Dame, NC State) are borderline NCAA teams right now, and the Wolfpack look like they are closer to the CBI than the NIT. The wins against ISU and ND also happened in Chicago, where Northwestern is located. John Shurna looks to be one of the best up and coming players in the league, but this team is still a ways from being able to compete for a Big Ten title. Best guess - the Wildcats will be right around .500 in the league and end the season firmly on the bubble.