I understand why Michigan improved so much since late January and surged to a point where the Wolverines are likely to get an NCAA tournament bid.
A solid nucleus of players has emerged in Jordan Morgan, Tim Hardaway Jr and Darius Morris. They have role players who play hard and have experience. John Beilein is proving he can coach. What a terrific job he has done against the odds this season
What I don't comprehend is why Michigan State has taken such a fall. They have several players who have proven themselves to be competitively tough and resilient in the past, not just in conference games, but the biggest stage of all - the NCAA tournament.
Then this?
I never thought lack of effort would be an issue for a Tom Izzo-coached team. But even with so much on the line in the Michigan game Saturday, the Spartans were often strangely lackadaisical. The most stunning example was the way Michigan, at key points of the game, was able to get backdoor baskets. I don't remember seeing that happen to an Izzo team before, do you?
By the way, at the end of the game, Morris had every right to drive through MSU's half-hearted defensive effort and score. If the Spartans wanted to stop him, they should have played defense. I don't, however, think it was right the way Morris taunted Kalin Lucas after the basket. The rivalry is fierce - and always will be. But doesn't need that.