I know it's not a direct SC-related post, but since MSU knocked out the Trojans, and since the Trojans played MSU as close as anyone in the tourney (tied with Kansas w/ 5 point margin), and since the Monday night championship is the biggest event going on right now (tied with The Hills season premiere?), I thought that I would address this subject due to substantial fan interest, especially my own. 

Here are 3 reasons why MSU will beat UNC:

1) Rebounding - MSU is the best rebouding team in the country. Despite playing a notoriously big lineup against Uconn, MSU held their own in rebounding. UNC was actually outrebounded by Nova despite Nova taking 79 shots and missing 53 of them. 

2) Depth - MSU has one of the deepest teams in recent memory. Against Uconn, MSU's bench delivered 33 points and 14 rebounds. UNC's bench delivered 5 points and 12 rebounds against Nova. Hansborough, Lawson, and Ellington played 33, 34, and 35 minutes with Hansborough and Green finishing with 4 fouls. For MSU, only Kalin Lucas played more than 30 minutes. MSU's bench strength allowed them to play harder and faster for 40 minutes, fatiguing Uconn in the 2nd half. 

3)  Defense - Mich St gives up 62 points per game. UNC gives up 72 points per game. Against Uconn, an outstanding offensive team, Mich St had 11 steals and forced 16 turnovers. In their last 3 games against #1, #1, and #3 seeds, MSU is averaging 10 steals and 16 forced turnovers. In their last 3 games against #3, #2, and #4 seeds, UNC is averaging 8 steals and 13 forced turnovers.  Mich St is the better defensive club.

Playing against UNC is like playing against an NBA rookie squad. But, intangibles, like coaching, home court, and momentum, also favor MSU, IMO. MSU is one of the deepest teams with the best teamwork and team concept that I have seen in a while. UNC can kill you in multiple ways, and if they win, I think it will be with lights out 3 point shooting.  

I'm just saying that I think MSU has a good chance to win this game. I pick MSU in overtime.  The mighty Trojans may have been knocked out by the national champions.