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UCONN - Michigan State from the Garden


New York City - in the course of tempo free and possession breakdowns, it has been said by many coaches the first four minutes of each half are vital.
The first half saw UCONN get out to an 8-2 lead. Each team had five possessions so the Huskies posted a 160 efficiency to the 40 of Michigan Stat.

At the half the Spartans held a 25-21 lead. The first four minutes saw five possessions again, with the big ten representatives going on a 7-2 run to open the half. That increased their lead to 32-23. The 'first four' efficiencies in the second half:

Michigan State. 140

UCONN. 40

Not a game decider per se but a position Michigan State coach Tom Izzo wanted. A few one observations. Spartans took the three if it was there connecting on 6 of 15 (40 per cent) the first half. Michigan State was willing to run, beat the defense down the floor and, as noted, shoot the three if available. UCONN coach Kevin Ollie was more content with a half court tempo.