Spartans 10-1 on neutral floor this season
— William Paxton (@wspaxton) March 30, 2014
DeAndre Daniels will again be X-factor for UConn. Has to be physical defensively, in addition to scoring. Can't let Dawson/Payne dominate.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
Shabazz Napier had 25 against Michigan State last season. Interested to see how Keith Appling performs today.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/BobbyBigWheel/status/450336916060114944
https://twitter.com/PaulMyerberg/status/450337095606083584
And DeAndre Daniels picks up right where he left off after going for 27 and 10 Friday
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 30, 2014
"We talk about back to back – it's hard getting my wife to cook back to back." – Love ya, Raf.
— Greg Wallace (@gc_wallace) March 30, 2014
Connecticut is sharp to start this one, especially defensively.
— Alex Bozich (@insidethehall) March 30, 2014
DeAndre Daniels has four early points, picking up right where he left off last game.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
UConn's first eight points have come from DeAndre Daniels and Ryan Boatright. That's a good sign.
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) March 30, 2014
Michigan State looks uptight.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
Michigan State has turned the ball over three times already. 1-4 from field. And looking a little tight.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
UConn's defensive rotations have been very good so far. Pressuring on the perimeter, doubling and tripling in the post.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
If the cameras focus in on Lacy crying at the end of this game I’ll never watch CBS again
— Ben Swain (@TheBenSwain) March 30, 2014
UConn just playing at a different energy level than Michigan State right now. Very surprised to see an Izzo team look sluggish.
— College Sports Only (@OfficialCSO) March 30, 2014
DeAndre Daniels is everywhere. Five points, three boards, that block. Exactly what the Huskies need.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
2 points in nearly 8 minutes of game play. Time to put in Connor Cook.
— Saquon Respecter (@peterberkes) March 30, 2014
2 points in 9 minutes for Michigan State give you an offensive efficiency of 18 http://t.co/GilEI2iKNb
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
There. Dawson touched the ball. Try that again.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 30, 2014
Michigan State looks gassed. Virginia slugfest ended just 38 hours ago.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
What a defensive possession by Michigan State there
— Ed Isaacson (@EdKMGSports) March 30, 2014
UConn's defense has been tremendous early on. Fun to watch Shabazz fighting around screens chasing Harris. Will it tire him out tho?
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) March 30, 2014
Adreian Payne gets on the board with a 3 from the top of the key. Somehow, Spartans only down four.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
No tougher play in basketball to defend than the trailing 3
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
Does Michigan State have a plan offensively today or just take the first three available to them?
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 30, 2014
Tom Izzo, during that possession, screamed at Branden Dawson "Go get a f***ing rebound"
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) March 30, 2014
Shabazz is shifty
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
Michigan State is 3-for-9 from beyond the arc already.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
Still so strange to watch Keith Appling not even look for his shot. Izzo says his wrist is better, but something has to be wrong.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 30, 2014
A look at today's stats for UConn/Mich State compared to their season averages… pic.twitter.com/64YdlLsHxP
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
Shabazz Napier's ability to stop on a dime and pull-up or step-back is ridiculous.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
Shabazz. Man.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
By the way, how's this for a surprise: UConn up 5-0 in second-chance points, 8-2 in points in the paint.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
MSU, which historically has turned the ball over but did not this year, is turning the ball over.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 30, 2014
15 minutes into this game, there have been a total of six fouls called (three each team). As they say, refs letting them play.
— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/JPGuerette/status/450345572097335296
That's MSU's first lead of the game as Harris now has 12 pts
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 30, 2014
Another Gary Harris three gives Michigan State its first lead of the day, 22-21, with 3:27 left in first half.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
Here comes Gary Harris.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
An abysmal start to the game for the Spartans. And yet — they now have the lead
— Mike Hall (@BTNMikeHall) March 30, 2014
That’s how good Michigan State is: They’ve played awful in so many ways and they’re still in front.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 30, 2014
Great D from Payne there moving his feet and beating the guard to the baseline
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
NCAA has very strict rules for NCAA-only cups at March Madness. I have brought my cat mug. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/jEi3Q0e6ry
— Jason (@jasongay) March 30, 2014
Gary Harris with back-to-back 3s to give Michigan State its first lead. He's 5-of-6 shooting. All other Spartans: 3-of-15.
— Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) March 30, 2014
Katie Holmes pic.twitter.com/eisUminqhO
— Michael Shamburger (@mshamburger1) March 30, 2014
You OK, Danny? pic.twitter.com/35pWSPFEeP
— Troy Machir (@TroyMachir) March 30, 2014
Sparty on a 20-9 run now
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 30, 2014
Keith Appling has done NOTHING on the offensive end, but his defense has really been huge for MSU in this stretch
— Brian Snow (@BSnowScout) March 30, 2014
23-9 run to end half for MSU
— Medium Happy (@jdubs88) March 30, 2014
As a huge fan of regression to the mean I am PUMPED for the second half
— We take the stairs (@NoEscalators) March 30, 2014
Helluva way to end the half for Michigan State. Transition threes. That's what they do.
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) March 30, 2014
Michigan State had 2 points in the first 8 minutes. Then, 23 points in the final 12 to grab a lead.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
Normal pace (31 possessions). Praise the defenses or blame the offenses.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 30, 2014
Michigan State had 2 points in the first 8 minutes. Then, 23 points in the final 12 to grab a lead.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Michigan State's 4 3s in transition are already tied for the most in a game by any team in the last five NCAA tourneys.
— Brett Edgerton (@EditorEdge) March 30, 2014
UConn looking to push a bit against an unsettled Michigan State defense. Huskies couldn't get anything in the half-court in first half.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
remarkably quick release from gary harris, seeing how he pulled that one straight out his keister.
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) March 30, 2014
"Every senior class Final 4" mention! Drink!
— College Sports Only (@OfficialCSO) March 30, 2014
The rain in Spain comes mainly from Adr3ian Payn3
— SB Nation CBB (@SBNationCBB) March 30, 2014
There's a 3 off inside-outside action by Sparty. Great use of a screen to force UCONN's bigs to chase. Good tactic.
— Matt Zemek (@MattZemek) March 30, 2014
Amida Brimah cannot play in this game. He has no idea how to guard a big man that can shoot right now.
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) March 30, 2014
Connecticut is getting Shabazz'd.
— Hoya Suxa (@HoyaSuxa) March 30, 2014
UConn’s in serious trouble, especially if they keep tossing up jumpers. Need to attack the rim.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
Spartans up 9 but not at all as I thought they'd get lead. Not even looking to go inside. Odd. Meantime, UConn 4 of its last 24
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
So UConn needed a basket and Shabazz Napier made it. Shocker.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
it’s real special for adreian payne to have magic in the building. earvin and greg kelser were his hosts on his o.v.
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) March 30, 2014
These will be the biggest 14-plus minutes of Phil Nolan’s young career. They can’t play Brimah in this game, so it has to be him at the five
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
More 4 foot misses in this tournament than at a golf tournament.
— Jon Lustig (@jonlustig) March 30, 2014
Shabazz pump faking the pass after throwing it deep to Nolan the possession before. So smart.
— Anonymous Eagle (@AnonymousEagle) March 30, 2014
Payne's game-long tribute to Fred Sanford is starting to impact the transition D.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 30, 2014
Shabazz Napier has a way of jarring his head back to intimate a foul that is fantastic. Refs can't resist it
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) March 30, 2014
BOOM RT @MikeVacc Mitch Albom will be happy to know that Mateen Cleaves is actually here at the Garden today.
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) March 30, 2014
Nada from Appling, one point from Dawson Offense out of synch. UConn storming back. Partisan crowd happy
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
Shabazz carrying a big load here, has 7 in this 9-0 UConn run. His teammates need to help out.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 30, 2014
Napier got whacked on that trap. Looks like he's pinching his nose.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
NO ONE MAKES SHABAZZ BLEED HIS OWN BLOOD
— We take the stairs (@NoEscalators) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/chuckycrater/status/450358626293538816
Hahahaha you gotta be kidding me. His face fouled Harris’ arm apparently.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
MSU has attempted 2 free throws all game. Two. Might wanna attack the rim at some point?
— C-Car (@UDFlyers) March 30, 2014
11-0 run for UConn after Michigan State pushed their lead to nine.
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) March 30, 2014
Halftime adjustments by Ollie nothing short of brilliant. Limited to no dribble penetration by MSU. Transition game slowed. UConn rolling.
— Brad Evans (@YahooNoise) March 30, 2014
UConn D seems to have convinced Spartans try can't even attempt a two-point shot. Zero presence inside.
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) March 30, 2014
Michigan State now has 12 turnovers. Average 11. 11 minutes left to play.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
jeez, when’s the last time sparty scored? i wasn’t even 32 for that long.
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) March 30, 2014
Tom Izzo needs to break out the mop. Michigan St. messes all over the floor. Way too many self-inflicting wounds.
— Brad Evans (@YahooNoise) March 30, 2014
Adreian Payne hit that jumper with his foot on the 3-point line at the 16:33 mark. Michigan State hasn't scored since.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
Appling has four fouls. Only contribution to box score
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
Could Keith Appling play any worse? Painful.
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) March 30, 2014
Brimah’s proven me wrong during this stretch. Handling himself better defensively against Payne.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
Four fouls on Keith Appling. And Travis Trice was having serious trouble handling the ball against Ryan Boatright. PG issues for Spartans.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
UConn will shoot FTs down stretch. 48 of 53, I believe in second half and OT this tourney. Big advantage
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
It's almost like Michigan State is trying to turn the ball over every possession.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 30, 2014
Did. Not. See. This. Coming.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 30, 2014
Mayday, Sparty. MAYDAY
— Chris Dobbertean (@ChrisDobbertean) March 30, 2014
UConn on a 23-7 run since it was down 32-23.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
With Michigan State essentially hunting for the three, critical for UConn to close out under control. Got a little wild on a couple of those
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
Feels like this game changed because Ryan Boatright is such a great defender. Eating up the MSU guards
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) March 30, 2014
MSU didn't commit turnovers this season and UConn, mostly, didn't force them. Hug your preview writer.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini/status/450362884594622464
We have a Ryan Boatright sighting.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 30, 2014
Dagger
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
Good night, Sparty. Your been Shabazzed
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 30, 2014
All the 3's from Michigan State
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
That’s really bad. RT @RobDauster: 24 of Michigan State's 39 shots have been threes.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
Tournament should be at the Garden every year.
— Mike Rutherford (@CardChronicle) March 30, 2014
How weird is it that Michigan State's only out here is to win a 3 point shooting contest
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 30, 2014
26 3’s, 15 2’s, 4 FTA's for Spartans. Against a defense that doesn’t have a history of forcing such a distribution.
— Ken Pomeroy (@kenpomeroy) March 30, 2014
That is how NOT to make an outlet pass
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
That was a classic "Sparty No!" moment.
— College Sports Only (@OfficialCSO) March 30, 2014
kevin ollie was writing on the board without even looking at it, like he was taking an order at waffle house.
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) March 30, 2014
Give Boat credit. Not a huge offensive game, but playing great D, has 5 straight points for Huskies.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 30, 2014
Adreian Payne and Branden Dawson are a combined 2 of 7 on two-pointers today.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
That Boatright shot was at least eight inches short.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 30, 2014
Boatright shot that 21 footer 19 1/2 feet
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
oh, there’s Keith Appling. Two point game.
— SB Nation CBB (@SBNationCBB) March 30, 2014
A perfect double.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 30, 2014
Bazz.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
Shabazzing. It should be a thing
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 30, 2014
Bears repeating again: Shabazz Napier has Huge Cojones.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 30, 2014
Shabazzketball
— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) March 30, 2014
To say Adreian Payne has struggled with post doubles today would be a massive understatement.
— Brian Snow (@BSnowScout) March 30, 2014
Best PG in the country. Shabazz Napier
— Kemba walker (@KembaWalker) March 30, 2014
WE HAVE SHABAZZ NAPIER AND YOU DO NOT
— We take the stairs (@NoEscalators) March 30, 2014
This should be reviewed.
— Matt Zemek (@MattZemek) March 30, 2014
That's off Uconn
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 30, 2014
Michigan State ball? I think part of the review time is spent trying to figure out how to tell a coach they changed the call.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
Review was quick and they got it right. How it should be.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/BobbyBigWheel/status/450367743460933632
Raftery: "When I'm in Manhattan, I don't look at the clock, either." That's gold, Jerry.
— Medium Happy (@jdubs88) March 30, 2014
raftery’s wondering where that’s been all game. izzo’s just glad it happened when it did.
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) March 30, 2014
Wow. Appling fouls out on a Napier 24-footer.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
Oh my
— Ed Isaacson (@EdKMGSports) March 30, 2014
Foul? Woooooow.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/chuckycrater/status/450368410409398272
For the love of christ, MSU.
— Troy Machir (@TroyMachir) March 30, 2014
Holy cow … This is a game that will haunt Keith Appling the rest of his life.
— Brad Evans (@YahooNoise) March 30, 2014
//Izzo death stare
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) March 30, 2014
yeesh, appling is gonna remember that one.
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) March 30, 2014
UConn has made 18 straight free throws. THAT's how you get Capone.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 30, 2014
Ice water.
— Raphielle Johnson (@raphiellej) March 30, 2014
UConn. Dallas.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 30, 2014
Never considered UConn a Final Four team, but boy did the pieces come together at the right time. Amazing job by Ollie.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 30, 2014
Holy hell UConn’s going to the Final Four.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 30, 2014
Booooo on Nolan for not giving it to Giffey
— Ed Isaacson (@EdKMGSports) March 30, 2014
Sad Sparty pic.twitter.com/6Z5tR8v9dV
— SB Nation GIF (@SBNationGIF) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/PaulMyerberg/status/450368890598875136
FWIW, the most an eventual national champion has ever lost a game by is 27 points (UCLA in 1965). U of L beat UConn by 33 three weeks ago.
— Mike Rutherford (@CardChronicle) March 30, 2014
Did Payne really almost shoot that over the backboard though?
— Jon Pence (@scacchoops) March 30, 2014
The last team to beat Florida: UConn.
— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) March 30, 2014
RT @D1scourse: Connecticut is only the second No. 7 seed to reach the Final Four. The first was Virginia in 1984.
— Chris Dobbertean (@ChrisDobbertean) March 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/DanRubenstein/status/450369583988617216
