What: NCAA Tournament 2nd Round
Where: Lawrence Joel Coliseum, Winston-Salem, NC
When: March 17th, 8:15 PM(approx)
TV: CBS
Records: UNC 29-6(ACC Champion; Automatic Bid), MSU 23-11(Big Ten 6th Place, At Large Bid)
UNC has a very good record on St. Patrick's Day. In fact I am not sure they have ever lost on St. Patrick's Day. As I mentioned earlier, the St. Patrick's Day game I remember the most was the 79-77 win over #1 Oklahoma in 1990.
In the present here, UNC is facing a very tough team that will be very good at controlling the rebounds, playing defense, and controlling the pace of the game. Why? Because Tom Izzo is the head coach for Michigan State and he will have them ready to play. UNC does benefit from this being a de facto home game. I also think there is less of a chance that UNC will go out to lunch ten minutes into the game. MSU does not have much in the way of personnel needed to handled Hansbrough and Wright. This will likely create pressure on the perimeter game to perform. However, my eyes will be locked onto Reyshawn Terry who sould continue to apply himself fully and make great plays when UNC needs it.
This game could be a test of how tough UNC is which has been proven and in some ways disproved on numerous occasions. However a failure to keep your composure and not making plays will create a situation that will lead to your dismissal from the March fesitivities. I say bury them early and keep tossing dirt on them the rest of the way.
UNC 78 MSU 69