I was saying the exact OPPOSITE--that Michigan State would likely be our toughest game all year, and IF they could win that game THEN "I don't see us losing ANOTHER game", because winning that game would require our guys--in their 2nd game--to gel quickly. I have a ton of respect for Tom Izzo, I never once in my wildest dreams thought it would be anything less than a close game. He's a great coach and his teams are already hard to beat, especially playing as close to your area as we did (Chicago). I don't throw his name out to "get love for my coach"; I honestly wanted him if we didn't get Cal, I've always respected him.
See, if I was certain we were going to beat you....wouldn't I have taken that bet? And I'm also not going to bet on a game that is in another month (UofL) when all it takes is an injury or a suspension to flip the favorite in the game. That's not a smart bet to take, ever.
And when you say things like "Randle got owned", you make it very difficult for anybody to take your college basketball talk seriously. I'll let your own coach and player make the argument for me
"It was way easier for him,'' Payne said. "I couldn't touch him or force him off the block. I couldn't do anything. It was a matter of me, when he caught the ball, I could just try to wall him. If you try to wall an athlete as good as him, there's a good chance he's going to score, because as a defender you can't be aggressive at all.''
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo took the blame for not doubling Randle enough, as the 6-foot-9, 250-pounder was able to establish position deep in the post.
Payne picked up his third foul at the 18:55 mark of the second half with the Spartans up 44-34, and his fourth foul came with 9:23 left and the Spartans holding a 60-53 lead.
With Payne out, Kentucky pulled back to within 66-64 at the 5:06 mark before Payne re-entered.
