What: Finals of the Orlando Classic
When: Sunday November, 30 2014. 1:00/12pm CT
Where: HP Fieldhouse, Orlando, FL
Where to Watch: ESPN or WatchESPN app
The finals of the Orlando Classic a matchup of two of college basketball’s premier programs, the Kansas Jayhawks and the Michigan State Spartans. The Jayhawks are coming off a hard fought, 82-67 win over Tennessee. The Spartans pulled off a 79-68 win over Marquette on Friday night. Outside the Kentucky game, this will be the Jayhawks’ toughest test to date. Michigan State did lose star guard, Gary Harris, to the NBA draft last year, but they still bring back a very talented roster and one of the game’s best coaches in Tom Izzo. Guards, Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine, lead the way for the Spartans scoring 16.8 and 14.5 points a game respectively. Their only loss was a 10-point loss to Duke in the Champions Classic in Indianapolis. The Spartans do not boast a very big roster, so Kansas should be able to cause some havoc inside and on the boards. Nonetheless this should be a very well played game between two of the sport’s best.
Prediction: Kansas
After the debacle against Kentucky, I do not see Kansas letting a big win get away from them again. Perry Ellis and Cliff Alexander are playing with more and more confidence each game, so I think they will be too much to handle once again. Barring foul trouble or injury, I think those two guys should have another big day for the Jayhawks. It will be interesting to see if Alexander does get the start over Landen Lucas. Frank Mason had a great game against Tennessee, so it will be interesting to see if he can keep it going against a step up in competition.
Michigan State does pose a threat with guys like Trice, Valentine, and Branden Dawson, but with the level of defense Kansas has been playing at they can hold these guys in check. The keys to the game will be the same as usual; take care of the ball, shoot the ball well, and play defense. If Kansas can follow through on those three things it will spell good things for them. This should be a close and hard fought game, but in the end I think the Jayhawks will be able to pull of the win.
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Photos courtesy of LJ-World
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