Michigan State plays gritty D, starting out front with the squatty, ferocious Mateen Cleaves at point guard. Spartans are especially adept at defending the perimeter, which means heavy hawking of Florida three-point gunners Brett Nelson, Mike Miller, Teddy Dupay and Kenyan Weaks. Florida's coach is called Billy D, which means Donovan but also Defense. To play our style, it takes 10 good men. We have 'em.
Most opponents rely on six or seven guys.
Most games, it's the difference. You keep nagging, bodying up and stalking your opponent. When you succeed, you can see it in their eyes. They start puffing. Pulling at the bottom of their shorts.