Golferdow01
East-Coast Living
Dow, I think you're exactly right. Matta saw Sullinger nearly hit the MSU player with the ball and yanked him.
As I reflected on the game, it seemed that Matta was making a statement to his players: if you want to play when the game matters, play smart.
Wasn't it against Indiana that JJ has a similar outburst?
Also, Dials made the ill-advised reach-in foul on the perimeter with maybe 4-5 minutes left (for his 4th) and found a seat on the bench.
It almost seemed like Matta was sending a message to the team with Sullinger and Dials: I will take my chances with intelligent play, even if it means keeping more talented players on the bench. Dials could have come in with 2 minutes to go. he didn't.
This is a message that can resonate for years with younger players.
It's a message that we've grown accustomed to from coaches like Woody and Tressel. It's a message that can pay dividends with Matta.
You and I both saw it.
I was very ticked that Dials committed three fouls on the perimeter. He has no business being that sloppy out there. Eventually it will cost us a game in on of the tourneys.
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