Let’s take a look at the position battles as the Michigan State Spartans and Texas Tech Red Raiders face off in the Final Four in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Center
Texas Tech Senior Norense Odiase
Stats: 4.2 Pts, 5.2 Reb, 0.2 Ast per game
Listed as 6’8 and 250 pounds, Odiase is not a main offense option for the Red Raiders. The Fort Worth, Texas native has experience as a red-shirt senior. He only averages just over 17 minutes a game as Texas Tech likes to go with a smaller lineup to suit their more aggressive defensive style. Odiase is a smart player on and off of the court as he was All-Big 12 Academic First Team last season.
He is considered one of the Red Raiders floor generals and provides leadership on and off of the court for Texas Tech’s younger players. He had a great game against Buffalo in the NCAA Tournament scoring 14 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in the Red Raiders tournament victory. However, he has struggled in Texas Tech’s last two NCAA Tournament games and hopes to bounce back against the Spartans.
Michigan State Sophomore Xavier Tillman
Stats: 10.1 Pts, 7.3 Reb, 1.7 Ast per game
Standing and weighing in at 6’8 and 245 pounds, Tillman has stepped into the starting lineup ever since Nick Ward injured his left hand. The Big Ten Six Man of the Year recipient has done very well as a starter for Michigan State. His ability to switch on ball screens and defend guards on the perimeter has been very beneficially for the Spartans defense.
Tillman’s ability to score more consistently has allowed Michigan State’s guards more freedom when driving to the basket and spotting up for three-point attempts. Tillman is playing really well in this NCAA Tournament scoring 16 points and getting 11 rebounds against Bradley and having 14 points against Minnesota and 19 points against Duke. He looks to continue his impressive play against Texas Tech.