Michigan State vs. North Carolina: Who will win the position battles in this PK80 showdown?

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 04: Fans look at newspapers while the North Carolina Tar Heels starting lineup is introduced prior to playing the Michigan State Spartans at the Jack T. Breslin Student Events Center on December 4, 2013 in East Lansing, Michigan. North Carolina won the game 79-65. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Small forward: Miles Bridges vs. Theo Pinson

An argument could easily be made that Miles Bridges will win the battle of small forwards against anyone in the country. He’s a national player of the year candidate and has averaged 16.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg.

However, coming into this game he won’t be 100%, as he’s currently dealing with a sprained ankle. He missed the first round game against DePaul and scored just six points the next day versus UConn. Now playing the Tar Heels, he’ll be needed to play close to his maximum potential to win.

That opens up a window for senior Theo Pinson, who has enough size at 6’6 to make a healthy Bridges uncomfortable, let alone a hobbled one. He scored 19 against Bucknell but has never been known for his offense, averaging 6.1 ppg a year ago. Pinson is a solid defender who also passes the ball well, with a 4.4 apg.

If both players are healthy Bridges is a no-brainer. But with an ankle bothering him and having to play against the defending national champs just two days later, this is a bad spot for him to be in.

Edge: Pinson (because of health)

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