2/28 Update:
2/28 Update:
A State of mind: Losing ways against Spartans continue-BadgerPlus
Spartans hold off hard-charging Badgers
-ESPN
Spartans climb into tie for first in Big Ten -Detroit Free Press
Andy Kowske: B
Kowske had some trouble against Hutson in the low post early in the game, though with the way MSU can pass the ball, that isn't all that unusual. As the game progressed, Kowske got double team help and did a nice job of controlling the low post (especially during the final 15 minutes of the game). Offensively he shot 6-8 as he had to pick up some of the offensive slack when the Badgers shooters couldn't shake free. While he was out of the game after a chintsy foul, MSU dominated on the glass until he returned.
Charlie Wills: B-
Wills hit a couple of perimeter jumpers when the team really needed a lift, but had to force a couple shots late that he couldn't get to drop. Charlie battled underneath, but like most of the Badgers had some trouble with the athletic Spartans at times. Still, he did a nice job of toughing out a couple of scramble rebounds during Wisconsin's big run.
Travon Davis: F
Only played briefly and committed a bad turnover when he was caught under the basket on an ill-advised drive.
Roy Boone: C-
Boone came out very sloppy, forcing passes and missing shots. MSU did a tremendous job on Boone and didn't give him any room, and Boone seemed to be playing rather tight. However, as the game progressed he played better and even had an impressive 6 assists (on only 18 Wisconsin baskets).
Mike Kelley: A-
Kelley's defensive effort was truly impressive. Matched up with who I believe to be the best player in the Big Ten, Kelley forced Richardson to hit very tough shots and never did let him get any rhythm. Richardson tried to put the ball on the floor and beat Kelley off the dribble, but Mike bodied up and made him pull up for the tough jumpers (a few of which he hit). All the while, he continued to play the passing lanes to the tune of 3 steals. Offensively he drained a three and was his usual steadying influence on the court. My favorite player will indeed be missed next year.
Kirk Penney: B-
It was hard to evaluate what to make of his game. He really struggled to find his shot, but on the other hand did not force too many of them. When he did shoot, he was 4-8, though two were sloppy bank shots from the corner (!). His defensive effort was acceptable, though Marcus Taylor hit some shots over the top of him while Penney played off of him. He also was in position to grab a couple of loose balls on the defensive end that he couldn't quite get to. All in all, what impressed me the most about Penney was his composure under intensive pressure. It was obvious that the Sparties were not going to allow Kirk to beat them, and yet he continued to work exceptionally hard off of the ball and didn't seem to get rattled (0 turnovers).
Maurice Linton: D
Linton hit a couple of shots but had what I perceived to be a poor floor game. He failed to get a rebound and MSU really pounded the offensive glass when he was on the floor. On at least two occasions, Linton either didn't block out or didn't block out well. He did a better job on the perimeter defensively however.
Mark Vershaw: F
Easily one of Vershaw's worst games in recent memory. He was totally ineffective offensively, missing all three of his shots. He was unwilling to work inside and was out of rhythm on his jump shots. Zach Randolph manhandled him a couple of times in the low post, and he was being beaten so badly on the glass that Wills played almost exclusively over the final 10 minutes while Mark watched from the bench.
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