Michigan State Spartans vs. North Carolina Tarheels

NCAA National Championship Preview
Michigan State Spartans (31-6) vs. North Carolina Tarheels (33-4)
Ford Field, Detroit, M.I., 9:21PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – North Carolina -7.5, O/U 152

The National Championship game is set for Monday night after an intense round of Final Four action on Saturday. The Michigan State Spartans pulled away from the Connecticut Huskies 82-73 pulling off their second straight underdog type victory in front of what you can call a home crowd in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday. The Spartans have absolutely been superb on the glass and with some big help from Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan they were able to handle the Huskies convincingly. The Spartans will meet up with the nation’s most popular pick the North Carolina Tarheels. The Tarheels sport the best offense in America that really shined through in their runaway win over Villanova 83-69. North Carolina had control of the game from start to finish and their ability to score points quickly has been unchallenged so far in the Tournament. However, the Michigan State Spartans will use what is likely to be the biggest crowd in National Championship history to their advantage since most in attendance will be wearing green. Hopefully that will be the difference in helping the Spartans slow down the Tarheels offense and provide an exciting Championship game.

Michigan State makes their way back to the Title game after making their 5th trip to the Final Four in the last 11 years. The Spartans National Championship appearance will be the first since back in 2000 when they won the Championship 89-76 over the Florida Gators. The Spartans will be seeking similar results when they go head to head against an extremely talented North Carolina bunch. However, Michigan State has played very well in their own aspects of the game. The Spartans lead the nation in rebounding margin and their ability to grab the offensive rebounds against Connecticut made a huge impact in the game. They will need to have a huge night against the boards and not give the strong shooting Tarheels any second chance rebounds. Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan both had big nights over the Huskies and they have been the leaders for the Spartans scoring all season. Lucas pushed the ball up-court well and scored in transition something that North Carolina will try to do on every possession. However, Lucas will also need to knock down some shots from the perimeter again giving that inside and outside threat if the Spartans are to be most effective. Korie Lucious came off the bench and knocked down some really big shots behind the arc against Connecticut. Michigan State will need all their scorers to play big to keep pace with North Carolina who is averaging 88 points per game during the NCAA Tournament.

North Carolina run through March Madness has been nothing short of impressive. The Tarheels have yet to be challenged winning every game by margin of double figures. North Carolina is just extremely quick moving the ball and their star studded roster present problems for any team to defend. North Carolina is one of the only teams in the country that had 5 starters average at least 10 points all season. The Tarheels will attack Michigan State quickly moving the ball up the court. The speed can be very threatening, but even when the Tarheels run the half court offense they are just as dangerous. Guards Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson make up the best back court in America, then you have the ACC’s all-time leading scorer Tyler Hansbrough lurking on the inside. Ty Lawson has been the most impressive Tarheel throughout the Tournament. Lawson missed the opening round recovering from an ankle injury, but has been incredible since averaging 21 points per game. Lawson is likely one game away from being the NCAA Tournament MVP expecting he has another solid performance. However, other starters Wayne Ellington, Tyler Hansbrough and more demand attention that can not be ignored. Together these 3 standouts racked up 60 of the Tarheels points that nearly totaled the 69 Villanova had for the game. North Carolina of course will be the favorite with their load of talent, but how will they perform against the strong rebounding team of Michigan State and in front of a heavily favored Spartans crowd?

Pick – Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough declined going to the NBA after losing in the Final Four last season, and missing out on a National Championship. I do not believe these experienced veterans will lose this game. North Carolina wins 2nd NCAA Championship in last 4 years.