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Michigan Newspapers Pick MSU/RU

All predict a MSU win but an RU cover



PRESS RELEASE: Tickets on sale for Hall of Fame Showcase vs. Temple

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men’s basketball’s matchup against Temple on Friday, Nov. 18 at Mohegan Sun Arena will be played at 5:00 p.m. the Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday.

Tickets for the RU’s matchup against Owls in the Hall of Fame’s Showcase in Uncasville, Conn. will be available to the public on Friday, Oct. 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Scarlet Knights fans are encouraged to go to ticketmaster.com and purchase tickets by clicking here. Tickets are also available in person at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office.

The full 2022-23 Scarlet Knights schedule will be made available at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday following the Big Ten Network’s B1G Show.

Anyone want to talk MSU Game?

Not much talk here, but this should be an interesting match up.
They have looked much better the last 3-games, including against Michigan, where they did put up a fight even in the game itself.
Clearly with the suspensions and new injuries they are depleted on defense.

I do think we match up relatively well against them, especially our defense.
When our defense has been beat it has been by big physical running attack.
We have really held down ALL the QBs we have faced. MSU on offense has a below average running game, and a good, but not great passing attack.
I do not see them doing a ton against us.

However the key questions for us to win are

1) MSU "Spirit" - They have played better overall the last 3-games, and really surprisingly banded together and beat Illinois last wee even with all the turmoil. I suspect they have good confidence but it is "paper thin", put some adversity in their face I think the confidence will quickly fade.

2) Can we exploit their D? - Though better the last 3 weeks, their D is bottom of Big 10, and now decimated by not only the suspensions but new injuries. However, we have not been able to score much even against below average defenses. Can we get to 20 points, and can we do it without Wimsatt having to take big chances? I am am not so sure. Given MSU lack of depth on D and what Michigan did last week, I suspect MSU will play a relatively soft zone, make us drive the field and look to get the turnover.

Playing the best we can possibly play

Posted about this in the game thread. While we're all wondering how good this team really is and how we'll do against top teams, when was the last time we simply annihilated bad, lower tier teams twice in a row to start the season? We've struggled with more than our share of games against teams like these in the past under Pike (and everyone else who coached here), so it's still a huge plus to play like this. There's nothing really to "criticize" right now, as we're playing as well as one could expect against this competition.

And while we can't "know" how we're going to do in the B1G and against other top teams, we at least know we have a team with balance and good chemistry, which plays hard and unselfishly on both ends of the floor. Those are hugely important team traits, which can make the sum much greater than the parts and Pike and the staff deserve huge credit for orchestrating all these things - and the parts are looking damn good too, even if against poor teams.

Cliff is learning and growing, especially on offense, Paul is Paul leading the team, Hyatt has made a major step up in his level of play at both ends, Mag has been solid, and Spencer, so far, has been a revelation on both ends of the floor, while Simpson is going to be a star here, Reiber is fulfilling his role well, Woolfolk looks like he can really play inside, well, and even Miller looks improved (and Oskar and Chol are getting a few decent minutes). And Caleb hasn't even played yet!

Yes, it's too early to start talking about NCAAs and rankings and stuff like that, but no, it's not too early to recognize that this team is playing as well as could be expected against the teams put on the court with us and it's not too early to be excited to see how this team continues to grow and improve and how the season unfolds - there will be bumps, as there always are - let's just hope this team is able to overcome such struggles and go on to have a very successful season.

Stadium Atmosphere

Talked with my brother yesterday: he's a pastor out in Lincoln, but a life long Michigan fan. He obviously watched the game Saturday night, and was very impressed with our stadium atmosphere, the lighting, the smoke, the fan response, etc. Said it really stood out to him compared to other away Michigan games he's watched against Big 10 opponents. Brought it up several times during our conversation.

WBB: Interesting comment from Coquese Washington

Per Jerry Carino:

“Coach Stringer was known for her great defense and low-scoring games,” Washington said. “I’d kind of like to score a few more points. The pace may be a little different, the styles may be different, but the thing that will remain consistent and persistent is the pursuit of excellence.”
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