The Izzone was rocking and rolling and you could feel the electricity. That's because the Michigan State fans were treated to a show by the diaper dandies and Charlie Bell, baby!
The Spartans came away with the big W over Florida in the rematch of last year's national championship game. A big key to Michigan State's victory was the Zach Attack.
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Tom Izzo watches his team handle Florida in a rematch of the 1999 title game. |
Yes, diaper dandy Marcus Taylor had a big game, but the night belonged to another diaper dandy -- big Zach, Mr. Zach Randolph. The man-child wanted the ball and when he got it, he was unstoppable, especially after Udonis Haslem fouled out with 12:35 left.
Randolph is so strong, yet has such nice touch. He's agile and mobile and shows great enthusiasm. It's hard to believe he was in high school a few months ago!
I was really impressed with his low-post moves. Plus he has a variety of releases and is so unorthodox it is tough to defend him. Randolph stretches defenses because you have to respect him and Michigan State has players capable of shooting the open jumpers that result.
A key moment came when Haslem picked up his fifth foul. Billy Donovan would have loved to have taken him out before it happened, but it occurred so quickly. I don't understand how Haslem thought he could get away with the hug. It blows my mind that a veteran player could do that -- you have to know the situation.
It was a tough night for Haslem, but you knew he was going to get lots of attention after scoring 27 against the Spartans in last year's championship game. Tom Izzo spent plenty of time breaking down the film and evaluating ways to stop the Gator's big man. Foul trouble took care of that.
It was also a tough night for Brett Nelson. He didn't have his "A" game and his jump shot flat-out disappeared. That was the poorest I've seen him play.
Teddy Dupay came back from his one-game suspension and was a spark in the first half. He simply couldn't do enough in the second half.
Izzo got great play from several sources. Bell scored 14 points in the first half while showing leadership and defense as well. David Thomas, a role player who stepped up and contributed, wants more PT and played like he deserves it. And Taylor scored and distributed like a veteran, not a freshman.
Then there was the explosive Jason Richardson. He may be the best baseline player in America. He is so smooth with his moves and leaping ability.
I love the way Izzo can play various lineups and the way the Spartans play defense. Yes, Florida scored a lot of points, but they didn't come easily.
Many times defending national champions lose talent and don't have a great chance to repeat. Michigan State lost Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson and A. J. Granger, yet looking at the talent both last week against North Carolina and then against Florida, Izzo's club will be in the hunt this season.