Tar Heels Thump Spartans in Final Four Preview

Once again the tough schedule for Michigan State's basketball team will prepare their program's mental ability to perform in NCAA tournament bracket. One of the NCAA's toughest schedules in non conference play turns into a nightmare at Ford Field against the University of North Carolina, the #1 team in the nation.

Some people must be saying thank goodness that unlike what happens in college football, a loss it does not end at team's ability or chances at winning a national championship in college basketball. That has to be the way Michigan State is viewing the humbling 98-63 loss on Wednesday night in the ACC/Big 10 challenge.

Michigan State a preseason Top 10 basketball favorite has got to pick up after this loss and bounce back. It's still a long season and with talented players such as Delvon Roe and Kalin Lucas leading the charge, MSU basketball fans should feel confident heading into the Big Ten season. The short-term feeling should actually be viewed as a positive. It is a positive because the caliber of competition leading into the Big Ten season has prepared the Spartans most situations against top teams.

Reigning player of the year Tyler Hansbrough didn't show signs of a bum left ankle in scoring 25 points in 27 minutes, including all of his free throws. The Tar Heels can begin to book their hotels downtown Detroit, the site for the Final Four at Ford Field this March.

No other college teams are playing games at Ford Field this season. Only Michigan State and North Carolina will have a chance to test this spectacular venue and its premiere stage for the elite basketball tournament.

Michigan State probably did not want to focus too much about what happened on Wednesday night. The team had a decent first half but fell apart after halftime as the ultra-talented Tar Heels at 8-0 demonstrated. Instead, they turn their attention to player health and schedule preparation.

The 35-point defeat was the second worst of Tom Izzo's coaching tenure. To Michigan State's credit it was their fourth game in seven days -- a grueling task for any team.

The Tar Heels took advantage. Most players must be saying that the traditional non conference schedule that Michigan State offers is difficult. However, the team hung in there in the first half and in the second half most shots couldn't fall. Weak legs were a significant contributor.

The team is ready to move on, as it did against UNC without it it's top senior Goran Suton. Suton is expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery for his injured left knee he's expected to miss at least a month of the season for rehab and recovery.

See you in March Tar Heels.