+3 and -3 from MSU vs. Nebraska,

+3 and -3 from MSU vs. Nebraska

+3

1. Outrebounded them 48-34 and had 11 blocks. Length, size, athleticism, strength...even when the basketball end of the game doesn’t look pretty, MSU just overwhelms opponents on those things.

2. Big games by Ward (22/7/3) and JJ (15/10/3). Controlled the game in the paint and around the rim. On a night where we shot 26% from “3,” those stretches where we scored inside or got the ball inside and then got fouled, were huge.

3. 16 team fouls, no real foul trouble outside Ward. For a team who attacks you off the bounce, we shot 36 FT’s to their 20. Better job of not fouling.

-3

1. 3 point shooting differential. Shot 26% on our end and gave up 46% to them. Love that they shot 27% from the floor, great to hold them to 57%, but that is too good of a 3 point percentage to give up. In addition, 0/4 from MM and 1/4 for Bridges on good 3 point looks

2. Still need to get Bridges going on the wing. 4/12 for 12 points. Going to need more from him than that when big conference games roll around.

3. A third...well, let’s see….this team is making it pretty hard to find three. The Lions are not going to the playoffs? The call where McQuaid got ripped in the face and Nebraska kept the ball? The teal shirt Tim Miles wore? The mess Jim Delaney has made with conference games this early and the B1G tournament a week early? Can’t find much else.

Coaches Corner

* MSU’s zone offense. In their old “Zone X” base look, the posts would mostly exchange between short corner and high post. A consistent change has been the high post man stepping out to the 3 point line. When that’s Carter, it’s less effective than Jackson or Bridges, as you don’t have to guard him there. Nebraska scouted that really well and then just stayed wide on the guards, defending Carter with .5 a man. I’ll be interested to see what adjustment we make to that the next time we see that look and Carter is in vs. the zone (which we like to have).

* Would like to see Jaren Jackson vary his ball screen options. It’s 90% pick and pop right now. Makes it easy to scout and easier to defend for B1G teams. Would love to see him mix in some slips, rolls, and stays.

Crystal Ball

* It’s not easy to get up for quick turnarounds. It’s really not easy coming off UConn, UNC, ND, and then Nebraska and Rutgers. Izzo has his work cut out for him when it comes to motivational techniques to get them ready to go on Tuesday.

Extras

* MSU ran plays to start each half for Jackson to create off the bounce in space.

* Only 6 turnovers, another major positive. Did a great job taking care of the ball.

* While he didn’t score, I thought Kenny Goins looked like he’s moving better. Like Tillman, Schilling, Carter, never know when we will need him for a matchup.

* 5 defensive rebounds for Langford and a concerted effort to get to a couple of those range rebounds.