Thursday, December 1
East Lansing, Mich.
8 PM
Michigan State University
vs
Georgia Tech
MSU Hosts Georgia Tech in ACC/B1G Challenge
11/30/2022 1:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball
This is the third time that the Spartans and Yellowjackets have met in the Challenge.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State women's basketball returns to the Breslin Center for the 15th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge, facing Georgia Tech on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. On the mic for the Big Ten Network will be Brenda VanLengen and Matt Schumacker. The Spartans will also be celebrating First Responders Night to honor the community First Responders.
• MSU stands 6-2 this season after suffering a pair of losses at the Phil Knight Invitational in Portland, Oregon. The Spartans fell to No. 8/8 Iowa State and No. 19/19 Oregon.
• Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh returned to the lineup for the Spartans against Oregon. After playing against Central Michigan on Nov. 19, Ekh traveled to Sweden for a National Team game against Israel. She arrived in Portland on Nov. 25 and scored 14 points for the Spartans on Sunday.
• MSU will be playing in the 15th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last season, MSU fell to 6-8 overall after a 76-71 loss to No. 24/25 Notre Dame. This is the third time that the Spartans and the Yellow Jackets have met in the Challenge with the series tied 1-1.
• Sophomore forward Isaline Alexander was MSU's second-highest scorer with 15 points against Oregon on Nov. 27, also her second-highest outing of her career and both have come away from home.
SCOUTING GEORGIA TECH
The Yellow Jackets bring a 5-2 record into Thursday's clash with the Spartans in the ACC/B1G Challenge. Georgia Tech is coming off a 2-1 finish at the Gulf Coast Showcase over the weekend, opening with a 63-50 loss to South Florida in the opener, which was GT's second-straight loss, but then bounced back with a 65-59 win over Air Force and a 58-52 victory over Belmont on Nov. 27.
Georgia Tech is averaging 58.1 points per game, while yielding 53.1 ppg for a +5.0 scoring margin. The Yellow Jackets are also shooting 36.7 percent from the field, 28.4 percent behind the 3-point arc and 72.2 percent at the free throw line. GT has a +1.3 rebounding edge, pulling down 40.7 rebounds per game, while the opposition has 39.4 boards per game, as well as a -0.3 turnover margin, with 15.9 turnovers per game, while forcing 15.6 miscues per contest by the opposition.
Two Yellow Jacket players are averaging double-figures, led by fifth-year senior guard Cameron Swartz with 12.7 points per game, while fellow fifth-year senior guard Bianca Jackson is close behind with 12.6 ppg. Swartz also has made a team-best 13 3-pointers, while shooting 13-of-42 (.310). Jackson is second on the team with six triples (6-of-16, .375). Freshman guard Tonie Morgan leads the team with 2.6 assists per game, while Jackson dishes out 2.1 apg, and 1.4 steals per game. Jackson also shares the team lead in blocks with four (0.6 bpg), matched by junior guard/forward Eylia Love.
Georgia Tech head coach Nell Fortner is in her fourth season, posting a 63-33 record leading the Yellow Jackets. Fortner has Big Ten connections, coaching Purdue in 1996-97, helping the Boilermakers to a 17-11 record and the regular-season B1G championship, part of her 225-150 overall ledger in her 13th season as a head coach.
SERIES HISTORY VS. YELLOW JACKETS
Michigan State and Georgia Tech are meeting for the third time, and all have come in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, with the two previous match-ups coming in 2008 and 2014, and Thursday's meeting on Dec. 1 is the earliest meeting of the three. The Spartans and Yellow Jackets first met on Dec. 3, 2008, with host Georgia Tech winning, 70-57, in Atlanta. In 2014, MSU rallied from a 40-27 halftime lead to win, 79-73 in overtime on Dec. 4, 2014 in East Lansing.
ACC/BIG TEN CHALLENGE HISTORY
This season, Michigan State will be playing in the 15th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last season, MSU fell to 6-8 overall after a 76-71 loss to No. 24/25 Notre Dame. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there was no Challenge during the 2020-21 season. During the 2019-20 season, MSU lost to No. 8 Florida State, 78-68.
In 2014, Michigan State came-from-behind to capture a 79-73 overtime win against Georgia Tech on Dec. 4. In 2015, Louisville came out fast and despite a second-half comeback by MSU, the Cardinals captured the win, 85-78. In 2016, the Spartans traveled to No. 21 Syracuse, falling to the Orange in the Carrier Dome, 75-64. In 2017, Michigan State lost to Miami in Coral Gables, 67-57, behind a game-high 14 points from Taryn McCutcheon. The 2018 game was MSU's most dominating win with a 91-66 win over Virginia. Overall, it was the third-largest margin of victory in the challenge.
ACC/Big Ten Challenge History
2021 - Notre Dame 76, MSU 71
2019 - Florida State 78, MSU 68
2018 - MSU 91, Virginia 66
2017 - Miami 67, MSU 57
2016 - Syracuse 75, MSU 64
2015 - Louisville 85, MSU 78
2014 - MSU 79, Georgia Tech 73 (OT)
2013 - Florida State 60, MSU 58
2012 - MSU 68, N.C. State 51
2011 - Miami 76, MSU 60
2010 - MSU 72, Florida State 64
2009 - MSU 72, North Carolina 66
2008 - Georgia Tech 57, MSU 50
2007 - MSU 68, Clemson 51
Bold = home games
LAST TIME VS GEORGIA TECH
Becca Mills scored the game-winning basket with 54 seconds to play in overtime on Dec. 4, 2014, and No. 16 Michigan State rallied to beat Georgia Tech 79-73 in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge game. Tori Jankoska scored 21 with 10 rebounds for the Spartans (5-1), who trailed 40-27 at halftime. Aerial Powers scored 17 with 14 rebounds and eight assists, Jasmine Hines had 16 points, and Mills added 12.
Sydney Wallace led the Yellow Jackets (5-4) with 22, Kaela Davis added 20, and Roddreka Rogers grabbed 12 rebounds. The Spartans outscored the Yellow Jackets 21-6 early in the second half and led 48-46 on a layup by Hines. Wallace tied it at 66 with a 3-pointer to send it into OT. Georgia Tech opened with a 7-2 run, but Hines tied it at 73 with two free throws, then Mills hit the go-ahead jumper. Hines and Jankoska each added two free throws to seal the win.
FREQUENT FLYER
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh returned to the lineup for the Spartans. After playing against Central Michigan on Nov. 19, Ekh traveled to Sweden for a National Team game against Israel. She arrived in Portland on Friday and scored 14 points for the Spartans against Oregon on Nov. 27.
DID YOU KNOW?
Senior guard Moira Joiner's start against Iowa State on Nov. 24 was her first since Dec. 9, 2021 against Illinois.
KMAC ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel netted 28 points against No. 18/18 Oregon on Nov. 27, not only posting her first 20-point outing of the season, but doubling her previous season-high of 14, tallied three times, most recently vs. Florida A&M (11/17/22). McDaniel also registered her fourth-straight double-figure game and has posted 10+ points in six of the eight games this season. McDaniel's 28 points is the most by an MSU player this season, as well as the Spartans' second 20-point scorer this season, joining 20 points by Matilda Ekh vs. Western Michigan (11/13/22).
MO THREES
Senior guard Moira Joiner has had a resurgence since returning from concussion symptoms that shortened her 2021-22 season. In eight games this season, she has averaged 9.3 points per game. Against Central Michigan on Nov. 19, she scored a season-high 17 points. She also tied her career high with five made 3-pointers. She also made five treys against Rutgers on Jan. 20, 2020 and Northwestern on Jan. 23, 2020, which were back-to-back games.
Against Oregon, Joiner had a double-seven game with seven points and seven rebounds. Joiner's seven rebounds is a new season-high, bettering her previous top mark of the season of five, done twice, last vs. Florida A&M (11/17/22). She now has snared three or more rebounds in each of the last seven games. With the seven points, Joiner has scored five or more points in seven of the eight games.
BY THE NUMBERS VS. OREGON
• Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel dished out a team and game-best seven assists, additionally registering a new season-high, topping her previous high of six helpers which also came vs. Florida A&M (11/17/22). McDaniel has distributed four or more assists in four games this season, as part of dishing out multiple helpers in seven of the eight games.
• Sophomore forward Isaline Alexander was MSU's second-highest scorer with 15 points, also her second-highest outing of her career and both have come away from home, behind her career-best 17 points at Central Michigan (11/19/22). Alexander has scored seven or more points in six of the eight games. She added one block, giving her at least one rejection in six of the eight contests.
STAYING OFF THE SCOREBOARD
Against FAMU on Nov. 17, the Spartans also held the Rattlers to single-digits in the second and third quarters, with six points in the second stanza and seven in the third. The six-point second quarter would have tied the fewest by the Spartans, holding Indiana to six points on 12/28/17, if not for last time out stymieing Oakland (11/15/22) to just four points, while the seven-point third quarter is also the second-lowest in the third stanza this season, as last time out, Michigan State limited Oakland to just five points in the third quarter.
The Spartans have had at least one single-digit quarter in six of its eight games this season. Against the Chippewas on Nov. 19, MSU held CMU to only eight points in the third period. In the quarter, the Spartans forced seven turnovers and held the Chips to 4-for-12 from the field.
BALANCED ATTACK
Without All-American Nia Clouden to dominate the box score this season, the Spartans are looking for a more balanced attack. In eight games this season, Michigan State has spread out the scoring. Senior forward Taiyier Parks led in scoring with a career-high 18 against Purdue Fort Wayne. Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh was atop the score sheet with 20 against Western Michigan and 16 against Florida A&M. Three players led MSU in scoring against Central Michigan with sophomore forward Isaline Alexander, junior guard Gabby Elliott and senior guard Moira Joiner all scored 17 points. Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel scored 28 points against Oregon, the most by a Spartan this season.
TOPPING THE CHARTS
Michigan State is among the Big Ten's leaders early on this season. The Spartans are currently fourth in the B1G in scoring margin (+28.9) and fourth in scoring defense (55.3 ppg). MSU is also fourth in rebound margin (+9.6) and third in steals (12.4 apg).
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh is first in the Big Ten in 3-point field goals made with 20. Sophomore guard DeeDee Hagemann stands fourth in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ration (3.22).
AROUND THE NATION
Early this season, Michigan State is 10th in the nation and third in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 19.2, behind Michigan (23.5 apg). MSU is also 11th in the nation and fourth in the Big Ten in scoring margin (+28.9).
SEASON OPENERS
All-time, the Spartans are 35-15 in season openers, but 28-2 when the opener is in East Lansing. Coach Merchant is 13-3 in season openers at MSU, and has won 19 of her last 22, including her time at Eastern Michigan. Last season, the Spartans earned a dominating 86-37 win over Delaware State on Nov. 7.
UP NEXT
Michigan State open Big Ten play against Purdue at home on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The Spartans will then hit the road to face No. 4/5 Ohio State for the Big Ten road open on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.
TITLE IX CELEBRATION
Throughout the season, Michigan State will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX. MSU Athletics kicked off its year-round celebration on June 23, 2022. While the work in advancing women's athletics is not complete, the Spartans will celebrate the advancements that have been made in the last 50 years.
LEGENDARY SPARTAN
Former Michigan State women's basketball guard Nia Clouden was drafted 12th in the first round by the Connecticut Sun at the 2022 WNBA Draft. Clouden was the 12th Big Ten student-athlete drafted by the Sun franchise (which began as the Orlando Miracle from 1999-2002). Clouden, an Owings Mills, Maryland native, became the eighth Spartan to be selected in the WNBA draft. Tori Jankoska was the ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft by the Chicago Sky, while Aerial Powers was the fifth overall pick in 2016 going to the Dallas Wings.
Maxann Reese and Kristen Rasmussen were the first Spartans selected in the WNBA, drafted in 2000. Reese was taken in the third round, while Rasmussen was selected in the fourth. In 2003, Syreeta Broomfield was drafted in the third round. In 2005, Kristin Haynie was the ninth overall pick by Sacramento, while Liz Shimek was taken in the second round by Phoenix in 2006.
SPARTANS: THE NEW CLASS
Michigan State women's basketball head coach Suzy Merchant announced the signing of two National Letters of Intent on Thursday, including Jordan Wood (Chicago, Illinois/Carmel Catholic High School) and Bree Robinson (Mississauga, Ontario/ Webb School).
Wood is a 6-4 forward, who is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She attends Carmel Catholic High School and is coached by Ben Berg. Wood is currently ranked No. 62 in the ESPNW HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings. As a junior, she scored 1,000 points, as well as leading the Corsairs to a Class 3A Illinois State Championship. Last season, she averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while also leading the team in assists (3.2 apg). She is a three-time All-East Suburban Catholic Conference and All-Area honoree, as well as capturing First-Team All-State accolades. Wood played AAU for Midwest Elite, competing on the EYBL Nike National circuit for coach Ralph Gesuado.
Robinson is a 5-8 guard, who is a native of Mississauga, Ontario, plays for head coach Matthew Shewmake at the Webb School (Tenn.). She helped lead the Webb school to a Tennessee State Championship, earning First-Team All-District 3 honors in the process. She also has a vast amount of international experience playing for Team Canada. She was the captain for Team Canada, playing in the U16 FIBA Americas in 2021, capturing a silver medal. She was also named Canletes 2022 All Canadian Player of the Year. She played for AAU Become One, competing on the GUAA Under Armour circuit for coach Handel Kipp.
CLOSING OUT THE GAMES
The Spartans have been extremely effective closing out games over the last couple years, winning 244 of its last 257 games (.949) when leading with five minutes left, including 194 of their last 209. In Coach Merchant's tenure, Michigan State is 278-21 (.930) when holding a lead with five minutes left. This season, MSU is 6-0 when leading with five minutes remaining.
MAGIC NUMBERS
In head coach Suzy Merchant's tenure, when two numbers on the scoreboard were achieved it typically has been a sign of a MSU win. The Green & White have won 176 of their last 207 games (.850) when scoring at least 70 points, and the Spartans are 196-42 (.824) under head coach Suzy Merchant when hanging at least 70 points on the scoreboard. This season, MSU is 6-1 this season when scoring 70 points. The loss to Oregon was the only time MSU reached the 70-point mark and didn't win.
• MSU stands 6-2 this season after suffering a pair of losses at the Phil Knight Invitational in Portland, Oregon. The Spartans fell to No. 8/8 Iowa State and No. 19/19 Oregon.
• Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh returned to the lineup for the Spartans against Oregon. After playing against Central Michigan on Nov. 19, Ekh traveled to Sweden for a National Team game against Israel. She arrived in Portland on Nov. 25 and scored 14 points for the Spartans on Sunday.
• MSU will be playing in the 15th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last season, MSU fell to 6-8 overall after a 76-71 loss to No. 24/25 Notre Dame. This is the third time that the Spartans and the Yellow Jackets have met in the Challenge with the series tied 1-1.
• Sophomore forward Isaline Alexander was MSU's second-highest scorer with 15 points against Oregon on Nov. 27, also her second-highest outing of her career and both have come away from home.
SCOUTING GEORGIA TECH
The Yellow Jackets bring a 5-2 record into Thursday's clash with the Spartans in the ACC/B1G Challenge. Georgia Tech is coming off a 2-1 finish at the Gulf Coast Showcase over the weekend, opening with a 63-50 loss to South Florida in the opener, which was GT's second-straight loss, but then bounced back with a 65-59 win over Air Force and a 58-52 victory over Belmont on Nov. 27.
Georgia Tech is averaging 58.1 points per game, while yielding 53.1 ppg for a +5.0 scoring margin. The Yellow Jackets are also shooting 36.7 percent from the field, 28.4 percent behind the 3-point arc and 72.2 percent at the free throw line. GT has a +1.3 rebounding edge, pulling down 40.7 rebounds per game, while the opposition has 39.4 boards per game, as well as a -0.3 turnover margin, with 15.9 turnovers per game, while forcing 15.6 miscues per contest by the opposition.
Two Yellow Jacket players are averaging double-figures, led by fifth-year senior guard Cameron Swartz with 12.7 points per game, while fellow fifth-year senior guard Bianca Jackson is close behind with 12.6 ppg. Swartz also has made a team-best 13 3-pointers, while shooting 13-of-42 (.310). Jackson is second on the team with six triples (6-of-16, .375). Freshman guard Tonie Morgan leads the team with 2.6 assists per game, while Jackson dishes out 2.1 apg, and 1.4 steals per game. Jackson also shares the team lead in blocks with four (0.6 bpg), matched by junior guard/forward Eylia Love.
Georgia Tech head coach Nell Fortner is in her fourth season, posting a 63-33 record leading the Yellow Jackets. Fortner has Big Ten connections, coaching Purdue in 1996-97, helping the Boilermakers to a 17-11 record and the regular-season B1G championship, part of her 225-150 overall ledger in her 13th season as a head coach.
SERIES HISTORY VS. YELLOW JACKETS
Michigan State and Georgia Tech are meeting for the third time, and all have come in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, with the two previous match-ups coming in 2008 and 2014, and Thursday's meeting on Dec. 1 is the earliest meeting of the three. The Spartans and Yellow Jackets first met on Dec. 3, 2008, with host Georgia Tech winning, 70-57, in Atlanta. In 2014, MSU rallied from a 40-27 halftime lead to win, 79-73 in overtime on Dec. 4, 2014 in East Lansing.
ACC/BIG TEN CHALLENGE HISTORY
This season, Michigan State will be playing in the 15th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last season, MSU fell to 6-8 overall after a 76-71 loss to No. 24/25 Notre Dame. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there was no Challenge during the 2020-21 season. During the 2019-20 season, MSU lost to No. 8 Florida State, 78-68.
In 2014, Michigan State came-from-behind to capture a 79-73 overtime win against Georgia Tech on Dec. 4. In 2015, Louisville came out fast and despite a second-half comeback by MSU, the Cardinals captured the win, 85-78. In 2016, the Spartans traveled to No. 21 Syracuse, falling to the Orange in the Carrier Dome, 75-64. In 2017, Michigan State lost to Miami in Coral Gables, 67-57, behind a game-high 14 points from Taryn McCutcheon. The 2018 game was MSU's most dominating win with a 91-66 win over Virginia. Overall, it was the third-largest margin of victory in the challenge.
ACC/Big Ten Challenge History
2021 - Notre Dame 76, MSU 71
2019 - Florida State 78, MSU 68
2018 - MSU 91, Virginia 66
2017 - Miami 67, MSU 57
2016 - Syracuse 75, MSU 64
2015 - Louisville 85, MSU 78
2014 - MSU 79, Georgia Tech 73 (OT)
2013 - Florida State 60, MSU 58
2012 - MSU 68, N.C. State 51
2011 - Miami 76, MSU 60
2010 - MSU 72, Florida State 64
2009 - MSU 72, North Carolina 66
2008 - Georgia Tech 57, MSU 50
2007 - MSU 68, Clemson 51
Bold = home games
LAST TIME VS GEORGIA TECH
Becca Mills scored the game-winning basket with 54 seconds to play in overtime on Dec. 4, 2014, and No. 16 Michigan State rallied to beat Georgia Tech 79-73 in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge game. Tori Jankoska scored 21 with 10 rebounds for the Spartans (5-1), who trailed 40-27 at halftime. Aerial Powers scored 17 with 14 rebounds and eight assists, Jasmine Hines had 16 points, and Mills added 12.
Sydney Wallace led the Yellow Jackets (5-4) with 22, Kaela Davis added 20, and Roddreka Rogers grabbed 12 rebounds. The Spartans outscored the Yellow Jackets 21-6 early in the second half and led 48-46 on a layup by Hines. Wallace tied it at 66 with a 3-pointer to send it into OT. Georgia Tech opened with a 7-2 run, but Hines tied it at 73 with two free throws, then Mills hit the go-ahead jumper. Hines and Jankoska each added two free throws to seal the win.
FREQUENT FLYER
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh returned to the lineup for the Spartans. After playing against Central Michigan on Nov. 19, Ekh traveled to Sweden for a National Team game against Israel. She arrived in Portland on Friday and scored 14 points for the Spartans against Oregon on Nov. 27.
DID YOU KNOW?
Senior guard Moira Joiner's start against Iowa State on Nov. 24 was her first since Dec. 9, 2021 against Illinois.
KMAC ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel netted 28 points against No. 18/18 Oregon on Nov. 27, not only posting her first 20-point outing of the season, but doubling her previous season-high of 14, tallied three times, most recently vs. Florida A&M (11/17/22). McDaniel also registered her fourth-straight double-figure game and has posted 10+ points in six of the eight games this season. McDaniel's 28 points is the most by an MSU player this season, as well as the Spartans' second 20-point scorer this season, joining 20 points by Matilda Ekh vs. Western Michigan (11/13/22).
MO THREES
Senior guard Moira Joiner has had a resurgence since returning from concussion symptoms that shortened her 2021-22 season. In eight games this season, she has averaged 9.3 points per game. Against Central Michigan on Nov. 19, she scored a season-high 17 points. She also tied her career high with five made 3-pointers. She also made five treys against Rutgers on Jan. 20, 2020 and Northwestern on Jan. 23, 2020, which were back-to-back games.
Against Oregon, Joiner had a double-seven game with seven points and seven rebounds. Joiner's seven rebounds is a new season-high, bettering her previous top mark of the season of five, done twice, last vs. Florida A&M (11/17/22). She now has snared three or more rebounds in each of the last seven games. With the seven points, Joiner has scored five or more points in seven of the eight games.
BY THE NUMBERS VS. OREGON
• Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel dished out a team and game-best seven assists, additionally registering a new season-high, topping her previous high of six helpers which also came vs. Florida A&M (11/17/22). McDaniel has distributed four or more assists in four games this season, as part of dishing out multiple helpers in seven of the eight games.
• Sophomore forward Isaline Alexander was MSU's second-highest scorer with 15 points, also her second-highest outing of her career and both have come away from home, behind her career-best 17 points at Central Michigan (11/19/22). Alexander has scored seven or more points in six of the eight games. She added one block, giving her at least one rejection in six of the eight contests.
STAYING OFF THE SCOREBOARD
Against FAMU on Nov. 17, the Spartans also held the Rattlers to single-digits in the second and third quarters, with six points in the second stanza and seven in the third. The six-point second quarter would have tied the fewest by the Spartans, holding Indiana to six points on 12/28/17, if not for last time out stymieing Oakland (11/15/22) to just four points, while the seven-point third quarter is also the second-lowest in the third stanza this season, as last time out, Michigan State limited Oakland to just five points in the third quarter.
The Spartans have had at least one single-digit quarter in six of its eight games this season. Against the Chippewas on Nov. 19, MSU held CMU to only eight points in the third period. In the quarter, the Spartans forced seven turnovers and held the Chips to 4-for-12 from the field.
BALANCED ATTACK
Without All-American Nia Clouden to dominate the box score this season, the Spartans are looking for a more balanced attack. In eight games this season, Michigan State has spread out the scoring. Senior forward Taiyier Parks led in scoring with a career-high 18 against Purdue Fort Wayne. Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh was atop the score sheet with 20 against Western Michigan and 16 against Florida A&M. Three players led MSU in scoring against Central Michigan with sophomore forward Isaline Alexander, junior guard Gabby Elliott and senior guard Moira Joiner all scored 17 points. Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel scored 28 points against Oregon, the most by a Spartan this season.
TOPPING THE CHARTS
Michigan State is among the Big Ten's leaders early on this season. The Spartans are currently fourth in the B1G in scoring margin (+28.9) and fourth in scoring defense (55.3 ppg). MSU is also fourth in rebound margin (+9.6) and third in steals (12.4 apg).
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh is first in the Big Ten in 3-point field goals made with 20. Sophomore guard DeeDee Hagemann stands fourth in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ration (3.22).
AROUND THE NATION
Early this season, Michigan State is 10th in the nation and third in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 19.2, behind Michigan (23.5 apg). MSU is also 11th in the nation and fourth in the Big Ten in scoring margin (+28.9).
SEASON OPENERS
All-time, the Spartans are 35-15 in season openers, but 28-2 when the opener is in East Lansing. Coach Merchant is 13-3 in season openers at MSU, and has won 19 of her last 22, including her time at Eastern Michigan. Last season, the Spartans earned a dominating 86-37 win over Delaware State on Nov. 7.
UP NEXT
Michigan State open Big Ten play against Purdue at home on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The Spartans will then hit the road to face No. 4/5 Ohio State for the Big Ten road open on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.
TITLE IX CELEBRATION
Throughout the season, Michigan State will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX. MSU Athletics kicked off its year-round celebration on June 23, 2022. While the work in advancing women's athletics is not complete, the Spartans will celebrate the advancements that have been made in the last 50 years.
LEGENDARY SPARTAN
Former Michigan State women's basketball guard Nia Clouden was drafted 12th in the first round by the Connecticut Sun at the 2022 WNBA Draft. Clouden was the 12th Big Ten student-athlete drafted by the Sun franchise (which began as the Orlando Miracle from 1999-2002). Clouden, an Owings Mills, Maryland native, became the eighth Spartan to be selected in the WNBA draft. Tori Jankoska was the ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft by the Chicago Sky, while Aerial Powers was the fifth overall pick in 2016 going to the Dallas Wings.
Maxann Reese and Kristen Rasmussen were the first Spartans selected in the WNBA, drafted in 2000. Reese was taken in the third round, while Rasmussen was selected in the fourth. In 2003, Syreeta Broomfield was drafted in the third round. In 2005, Kristin Haynie was the ninth overall pick by Sacramento, while Liz Shimek was taken in the second round by Phoenix in 2006.
SPARTANS: THE NEW CLASS
Michigan State women's basketball head coach Suzy Merchant announced the signing of two National Letters of Intent on Thursday, including Jordan Wood (Chicago, Illinois/Carmel Catholic High School) and Bree Robinson (Mississauga, Ontario/ Webb School).
Wood is a 6-4 forward, who is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She attends Carmel Catholic High School and is coached by Ben Berg. Wood is currently ranked No. 62 in the ESPNW HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings. As a junior, she scored 1,000 points, as well as leading the Corsairs to a Class 3A Illinois State Championship. Last season, she averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while also leading the team in assists (3.2 apg). She is a three-time All-East Suburban Catholic Conference and All-Area honoree, as well as capturing First-Team All-State accolades. Wood played AAU for Midwest Elite, competing on the EYBL Nike National circuit for coach Ralph Gesuado.
Robinson is a 5-8 guard, who is a native of Mississauga, Ontario, plays for head coach Matthew Shewmake at the Webb School (Tenn.). She helped lead the Webb school to a Tennessee State Championship, earning First-Team All-District 3 honors in the process. She also has a vast amount of international experience playing for Team Canada. She was the captain for Team Canada, playing in the U16 FIBA Americas in 2021, capturing a silver medal. She was also named Canletes 2022 All Canadian Player of the Year. She played for AAU Become One, competing on the GUAA Under Armour circuit for coach Handel Kipp.
CLOSING OUT THE GAMES
The Spartans have been extremely effective closing out games over the last couple years, winning 244 of its last 257 games (.949) when leading with five minutes left, including 194 of their last 209. In Coach Merchant's tenure, Michigan State is 278-21 (.930) when holding a lead with five minutes left. This season, MSU is 6-0 when leading with five minutes remaining.
MAGIC NUMBERS
In head coach Suzy Merchant's tenure, when two numbers on the scoreboard were achieved it typically has been a sign of a MSU win. The Green & White have won 176 of their last 207 games (.850) when scoring at least 70 points, and the Spartans are 196-42 (.824) under head coach Suzy Merchant when hanging at least 70 points on the scoreboard. This season, MSU is 6-1 this season when scoring 70 points. The loss to Oregon was the only time MSU reached the 70-point mark and didn't win.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G/F
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's BasketballRobyn Fralick Postgame Press Conference | Oakland
Sunday, November 23
Robyn Fralick Postgame Press Conference | Eastern Illinois
Thursday, November 20
Robyn Fralick Postgame Press Conference | Western Michigan
Sunday, November 16
Robyn Fralick Postgame Press Conference | Youngstown State
Wednesday, November 12