Michigan State has checked in as the No. 7 seed in the East region of the NCAA Tournament and is set to face off against the USC Trojans. USC poses a very interesting matchup with Michigan State, and is going to put the pressure on one Spartan to bring his A-game on the defensive end of the floor.
While everyone knows USC star Boogie Ellis, I believe the true x-factor on the Trojans team is Drew Peterson. Peterson is a 6’9″ wing that averages 14 points per game, but the key is he is averaging over 15 points per game in wins for USC, while only averaging around 10 points per game in the Trojans losses. Limiting Peterson on the offensive end should be of the upmost priority for the Spartans.
A 6-foot-9 wing strikes a clear matchup problem for the Spartans, but there is one man that can step up to make things happen on the defensive end of the court for MSU, and that is Malik Hall.
Hall, a 6’8″ wing can match Peterson’s size to avoid the post game, while having quick feet to stay with the Trojans standout.
If MSU is to win this game, and move on to the round of 32, Malik Hall is going to have to bring his A-game.
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