Just some random thoughts. Iowa’s intensity and defensive skills in the first half were impressive. Several shot clock violations forced by Iowa. MSU had about 3 times as many turnovers as Iowa. Izzo said they were lucky to be down by only four at half time. Said Iowa missed several shots they typically make.
The always critical times in a close game, one of which was the last 7 minutes of the first half, Iowa did very well. Then, they came out and set the tone early in the second half with TC, another critical time in a close game.
Izzo spent a lengthy period of time with the lead official even extending into playing time, at which point the ref was not watching the game. That is bullshit.
I am sure it was a coincidence that MSU’s impressive run started shortly after that conversation. Well, maybe.
MSU had several transition baskets during that run, along with a series of fouls called on Iowa. And, Iowa’s bigs were really dragging, especially TC and Luka.
They were just plain worn out. I think the mind was willing but the body could not keep up. MSU wore us down. Period. We absolutely did not quit, as some have suggested. A superior crew of athletes just overwhelmed us. We are good, not great.
It is no accident that the lack of fouls called on MSU was pointed out by our coach and players, as it was clearly stated that we were aggressive in the paint, where we dominated, but were apparently almost never fouled in the act. We are after all, #1 in the country on trips to the foul line and #1 in points from free throws. Tough to argue with facts.
JBO, Moss, JW, we’re ineffective. Izzo commented that our 5 of 24 shooting from 3 point range was very unusual. He did compliment his defense for some, but not all, of our failure in the guard court.
I think Iowa will bounce back. I think the claim that this team is soft is way off base. Remember, guys, we did go from 0-3 in the BT to 5-3.
And, these guys are big, strong, and very physical.