Rapid Reax: Saturday's early games

No. 8 Michigan State 77, Oakland 76: The Spartans needed each and every one of Kalin Lucas' 25 points against Oakland on Saturday afternoon in the Palace at Auburn Hills. Oakland was ahead for much of the first half and went into the break down just four points. After tying it early in the second half, MSU used a 10-0 run to take a 49-39 lead. The Grizzlies slowly chipped away, eventually getting the lead down to 73-70 with 32.3 seconds left, but some late Spartan free throws held Oakland at bay.

Sparty, once again, has started the season slowly. Izzo tried to shake things up with his lineup, starting Keith Appling over Korie Lucious. The question you are going to see posed in a number of columns next week will likely be whether we should be worrying about Michigan State yet. The answer: yes, you do. It has to be a concern for any Michigan State fan that their team turns the ball over as much as they do, doesn't force turnovers, and struggles on the glass. I am confident that Izzo will turn this thing around, but right now Michigan State doesn't look like a team that belongs in the Final Four conversation.

Louisville 77, No. 19 UNLV 69: Louisville went into the half down 38-33 and Preston Knowles was scoreless. In the second half, it was the Preston Knowles show, as he scored all of his 20 points -- including 10 straight in a stretch where Louisville opened up a six point lead and took control of the game. Kyle Kuric and Chris Smith both added 17 points off the bench. UNLV did not look like the UNLV we saw earlier this season. They missed open threes, they struggled defensively, and they really looked out of sync offensively. While I will continue to keep my expectations for Louisville somewhat in check until they beat someone away from the Yum! Center, it is safe to say that this Louisville team in much better than anyone expected them to be.

No. 20 Minnesota 71, Eastern Kentucky 58: Ralph Sampson had 19 points and 8 boards to lead the way for the Gophers, while Blake Hoffarber added 14 points and 6 assists and Trevor Mbakwe checked in with 14 points and 5 boards. Al Nolen has plantar fasciatis and his timetable for a return is in doubt, which makes Devoe Joseph (5 points, 6 assists, 2 turnovers, 2-8 shooting) arguably the most important player on this team.

No. 1 Duke 84, St. Louis 47: Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler combined for 43 points in a game that was never close.