Mississippi State vs Oregon

Its finally time to wash away the disappointment left behind by the Georgia loss. Hopefully a new batch of disappointment won't be waiting for us come 9:30.

My keys to the game for MSU are:

1) Stick to good old fashioned man to man defense. You can throw in zone every now and then but M2M should be the primary defense. There are going to be matchup problems for Rhodes and especially Varnado seeing as how all 5 guys for Oregon can shoot the three. MSU will just have to deal with it. Oregon will shoot over a 2-3 zone before you can blink.

2) Consider a 4 guard lineup with Rhodes the lone big. I don't think this will happen, at least not early on, but it may become necessary.

3) Jamont Gordon. He has been ice cold from the 3 point line for nearly a month now. Much of that is his own doing as his shot selection from long range has been atrocious. We know he'll get his driving to the basket, but that isn't enough. We need him to be a respectable 3 point threat too. Take the open looks and stop throwing up contested 25 footers and everyone will be better off Jamont.

4) Ben and Barry. This can't be another Georgia for them. They had open looks and weren't knocking them down. If that happens tonight, MSU will probably be in trouble. This team doesn't need miracles from them, just make the open shot.

5) Charles Rhodes. Nothing to say really. Keep doing what you're doing. (Except for that technical). He has been outstanding since early January and I fully expect him to be outstanding tonight. Your the lone senior Rhodes (sorry Begley, I appreciate you and all but you won't be playing). This could be your final game and is definitely your final NCAA tournament. Play like it. I think he will.

6) Bench. Give me something, anything.

7) Get the ball down low to Rhodes and Varnado. When you get sick of that and want to take a three, get it to Rhodes and Varnado some more.


Truth be told I have a bad feeling. Let me be wrong.