Northwestern takes Michigan State Down to the Wire

Although the final outcome was still a loss, it was a much more exciting and interesting loss to Michigan State this time for Northwestern, who took one of their toughest Big Ten opponents down to the final possession.

No wants to believe in nor accept moral victories, but losing to the #18 Spartans, when your star forward John Shurna (the Big Ten’s leading scorer) is clearly not anywhere near himself, is not the worst thing in the world.

By Paul M. Banks

“I just think he’s wasn’t 100% physically tonight. Most of his shots were short, he didn’t seem to have that little pop that you need…he’s a tough kid, he’ll get better,” NU Head Coach Bill Carmody said.

As we got near the 5 minutes left in the game mark, it appeared the issue was no longer in doubt, as Sparty had picked up a double digit lead.

Or so it seemed; right before the comeback began.

The Cats quickly cut it to six inside two minutes. And before you knew it senior point guard Juice Thompson was hitting a big three, slicing the deficit to just three. Defensive stop on the other end, and then back on offense Juice gets loose from the State defense for a back door cut and the lead is just one.

Kalin Lucas misses a free throw on the next possession, but “Dancing Bear” Draymond [More …]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/college-bball/northwestern-takes-michigan-state-down-to-the-wire/

Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser Andy Greene zach Parise bryce Salvador Wade Belak