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     Just five home games remaining for MSU's men's basketball team-- but 7 on the road begining Saturday at noon at Minnesota.  MSU is fortunate not to have to go to Ohio State, perhaps the Big Ten's second best team.  Tom Izzo isn't fooled by what he calls "fool's gold", meaning his team's 6-0 Big Ten start.  Yes he's happy to be unbeaten, but he's not happy with the direction of his team, especially in the wake of a harrowing 70-63 win at home Wednesday over lowly Iowa.  A 19-point second half lead was reduced to three with 1:50 left but Korie Lucious did what others have done-- made a big play in the final moments to ice a game after a close lead could have been lost.

     MSU goes to Michigan next Tuesday-- MSU is a better team, but figure on the Wolverines to be motivated and frustrated.  A Michigan win next week obviously helps the Wolverines' NCAA tournament resume-- and Michigan needs help.   The Wolverines are 10-8 after a give away loss at Wisconsin Wednesday.  Michigan is at Purdue Saturday and then the Spartans appear and two losses would leave Michigan 10-10 heading down the stretch-- NIT!  NIT!

     I agree with Izzo-- MSU needs more player leadership on the floor, during games, during key situations.  Six of the next eight games are on the road.  I still think MSU will win most of them, but not if they play the way they did at times in the last two home games against Illinois and then Iowa.