Scouting Report on MSU vs. Robert Morris

It’s that time again folks. March is finally here and the Spartans are looking to make a deep run to the Motor City for the Final Four. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, the first challenge lies in Minneapolis where the 2-seed Spartans will face off against the 15-seed Robert Morris.

 

Before every tournament game the Spartans play we will have a preview of what to expect from the Spartans opponent and we start with Robert Morris.

 

Here’s the Breakdown:

 

How they got here:

RMU won both the regular season and conference titles in the Northeast Conference, with the latter coming in riveting fashion on against Mount Saint Mary’s.

 

(Here’s the video: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/clubhouse?teamId=2523 just scroll down under the big video screen and find the clip “Robert Morris Wins NEC Title)

 

Opponents Storylines:

RMU is headed to the Big Dance for the first time since 1992 and will be making the sixth NCAA tournament appearance in school history.

 

Stat’s You Need:

The Colonials finished the regular season 24-10 but were well tested throughout the season going on the road to face Pitt, Xavier and Miami (FL.). They fell in all three games but only lost to “The U” by 8. Three players averaged double figures including 16.9 ppg scorer Guard Jeremy Chappell, who was unanimously voted NEC Player of the Year. Head Coach Mike Rice is only in his second year at the helm, but has already won back to back NEC Coach of the year awards, and has taken the Colonials to their first NCAA tournament in almost two decades. They averaged 70.5 points per game, a product of their three guard, two forward lineup and Marquette-esque style of play.

Starting Five:

G – Jeremy Chappell (Sr.) 16.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.2 apg.

- Chappell is the guy for RMU. Was a unanimous selection for 2009 NEC Player of the Year in a vote by league head coaches. Very good shooter; hitting nearly 48% of his shots from the field and 85% from the free throw line. Also lights out from beyond the arc shooting over 40%. Scored 19 and 17 points in losses to Pitt and Xavier respectively. Will need to have a very big game to beat the Spartans.

 

G – Jimmy Langhurst (Jr.) 10 ppg, 2.3 apg, 2.1 rpg

- Another lethal shooter from deep, netting 42.6% of his 3-point shot attempts. Shoots 85% from the line as well. Undersized at 5-11, 185 lbs, but is quick enough to get open for his own shots. Scored 13 points and went 3-7 from beyond the arc against Miami (FL).

 

G – Bateko Francisco (Sr.) 7.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.2 apg

- The Frenchman transferred from Fort Scott Junior College and this past year was named the 2009 NEC Defensive Player of the Year. While he’s not known for his offense he shoots well from deep at 36%. Can turn the ball over; has a 1.35 Assist/Turnover ratio. Another small player at 6’1” 185. Will have to mark up against Big Ten Player of the Year Kalin Lucas.

 

F- Dallas Green (Jr.) 6.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg 0.9 bpg

- Green will go down in Colonial lore for hitting the shot that sent RMU to the big dance in the NEC championship game. Not known as much of a shooter or ball handler registering only 16 assists all season. Brings some much needed size to the Colonial front court.

 

F- Rob Robinson (Jr.) 11.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.7 apg

-Probably the second best player on the team. Another JUCO transfer, this time coming from Globe Institute of Technology. Registered a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in the NEC conference championship game. Had four separate games with 3 blocked shots. Will be called upon to out muscle Goran Suton and Delvon Roe in the paint.

 

Analysis:

RMU is very well coached but got a tough draw in MSU. Second-year head coach Mike Rice already has an impressive resume, winning NEC Coach of the Year in both of his seasons on the sideline but will have to muster up some near miracle performances from his players if they are going to advance. The Colonials run a very small lineup, with their two tallest players checking in at 6’8”. While the NEC champs do shoot very well from the outside, they are going to have a tough time matching up with the big bodies MSU has in their deep rotation. Both Rob Robinson and Jeremy Chappell are going to have to come up with outstanding performances both offensively in order to keep pace with MSU, which will be tough with Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Travis Walton guarding the Colonials best player, Chappell. Bateko Francisco will have to play the best defensive game of his career in order to shut down all guards MSU throws out on the court. RMU will have to protect against the fast break and easy points if they want to stay in the games for very long.

 

Prediction:

This is a classic 2 vs. 15 matchup. Rarely do upsets happen in these types of games, and on paper, this game should be no different. It’ll take a supreme effort from the Colonials and a monumental collapse from the Spartans for this the final score to fall into RMU’s favor. MSU moves on to the round of 32…

 

81-58