Three Beautiful Things 11/14/19: Walking, Penn State Looks Solid, Sparty and the Pirates Play a Tight One

1. Once again today, I walked. I walked west of McDonald's to the Silver Ridge Mountain Lodge. Mom used to ask us a lot where the bridge used to be on Highway 10 that crossed the CdA River. It was down by the motel Bob and Sis ran. I wanted to see if any of the remains of that old bridge had survived, but the lodge had uninviting signs all over the place along with concrete barriers -- the message was clear, "If you aren't staying here, stay out!" I complied and didn't go on the grounds of the lodge and look at the river. It was a pretty good walk anyway.

2. I was pumped to watch two more tilts in the Dave Gavitt Tipoff Games. First, I watched Penn State get off to a blazing start against Georgetown, run up a pretty good early lead, and then thwart every attempt the Hoyas made at a comeback. Penn State might surprise some opponents in the Big 10. Once Georgetown settled down after starting the game poorly, they had some stretches of solid play. I'm eager to see if the Hoyas settle down, protect the ball better, and compete well in the Big East. Final score: Penn State 81 Georgetown 66.

3. I have no doubt that both Michigan State, in the Big 10, and Seton Hall, in the Big East, will be strong contenders to become conference champions. Even though the game was a bit sloppy at times, as is to be expected in an early season contest, tonight's game was scintillating. Michigan State led for much of the game, thanks in large part to an unexpected monster performance by freshman Malik Hall and to the leadership and clutch shooting, especially late in the game, of Cassius Winston. Seton Hall was led by their premier guard, Myles Powell, who was playing on a recently sprained ankle, yet made one great shot after another and spearheaded the Pirates to a late game lead. By the very end of the game, Powell seemed fatigued. MSU regained the lead by a point and then twice stopped Seton Hall drives to the basket, made a couple of free throws, and their victory was clinched when Powell missed a wild three point heave just before the game-ending buzzer sounded.

I agree with the many people who follow college basketball that Cassius Winston will likely be this season's player of the year and that he'll lead the Spartans to another superb record this season. I can hardly wait for the Big East conference schedule to get going. I hope Myles Powell completely recovers from his ankle injury and regains the conditioning he lost over the last week. If he does, he will help provide a lot of entertaining fireworks as Seton Hall makes its push to wrest the Big East title from Villanova.