Sunday, January 22
East Lansing, Mich.
3 PM
Michigan State University
vs
Rutgers
Spartans Celebrate Title IX and Alumni Day Against Rutgers Sunday
1/21/2023 10:30:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Throughout the game, MSU will honor Title IX pioneers.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State women's basketball concludes its two-game homestand facing Rutgers on Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Breslin Center. Tip off time is set for 3 p.m. on BTN+ with Ethan Hunter and Alexis Alston calling the action. On Sunday, the Spartans will celebrate Alumni Day. MSU will also honor Spartan women of all sports during its Title IX game.
• The Spartans are looking to snap a four-game losing streak after falling to No. 10/9 Iowa in overtime, 81-84 on Jan. 18. MSU stands 10-9 overall and 2-6 in league contests. Rutgers has lost two-straight games after an 81-58 loss to Michigan on Jan. 19. The Scarlet Knights are 8-12 overall and 2-6 in league contests.
•Senior Moira Joiner recorded a double-double for the first time in her collegiate career, booking 11 points and 10 rebounds in addition to three assists. She reached double figures in scoring for the 10th time in 2022-23 and the 23rd time in her career.
•The Spartans lead the all-time series with Rutgers, 7-6. Last season, MSU captured a 61-45 win in Piscataway. Overall, MSU holds a 4-3 mark against Rutgers in East Lansing.
•Michigan State played its third overtime game this season, and not only were all three Big Ten contests, but they were also all three at home including the last two home games.
SCOUTING RUTGERS
Rutgers comes to East Lansing with an overall record of 8-12 overall and 2-6 in Big Ten action. The Scarlet Knights have lost two-straight games after falling to No. 14/16 Michigan, 81-58, on Jan. 19. Rutgers has conference wins against Nebraska at home and on the road against Minnesota.
Freshman Kaylene Smikle leads The Scarlet Knights in scoring and is ninth in the league, averaging 16.9 ppg. Chyna Cornwell is third in the conference in rebounding, bringing down 8.9 rpg, while Kassondra Brown is 16th with 6.3 rpg. Antonia Bates (1.2) and Brown (1.0) are both among the league leaders in blocks, standing sixth and ninth respectively. Smikle also is willing to swat the ball away, averaging 0.85 bpg, which is good for 12th.
Not surprisingly, Rutgers stands first in the Big Ten in blocks, averaging 4.9 bpg. The Scarlet Knights stand 13th in the league in scoring, averaging 63.6 ppg. They stand 12th in scoring defense, allowing 71.7 ppg. Rutgers stands 14th in assists (11.9 apg) and 12th in steals (7.6 spg).
Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington is in her first season with the Scarlet Knights holding am 8-12 mark. She is no stranger to the Big Ten, coaching at Penn State for 12 seasons, winning three Big Ten Championships.
SERIES HISTORY VS. THE SCARLET KNIGHTS
Michigan State and Rutgers have a fairly limited history with each other. Overall, the Spartans hold the series lead with a slight 7-6 advantage. MSU has won three of the last four outings. In East Lansing, the Spartans lead 4-3, while in Piscataway the series is tied 3-3.
The last time that the teams met in East Lansing, Rutgers came away with a 63-53 win on Feb. 24, 2021. Last season, Michigan State earned an impressive 61-45 win in Piscataway on Jan. 30, 2022. In that outing, four players reached double digits for the Spartans, led by 17 points from Nia Clouden
BY THE NUMBERS VS. IOWA
• Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel reached double-figures for the sixth consecutive game and 14th time this season, tallying 23 points with four rebounds. One of McDaniel's two 3-pointers in the game came on her buzzer-beating half-courter to beat the halftime buzzer. She tied a season-high at the free throw line, going 9-for-10, matching nine makes vs. Florida A&M (Nov. 16) and marking the fifth time this season and seventh time in her career with 10 attempts.
• Senior guard/forward Tory Ozment netted eight points off the bench, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, tying her season-best for triples, matching two treys at Maryland (Jan. 7). It was the first time this season that she was a perfect 100 percent from behind the arc. Ozment's eight points was also the second time in the last four games that she's posted eight points, also doing so in the aforementioned contest at Maryland.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Spartans will celebrate former women's basketball Alumni against Rutgers in its annual celebration. This year, Michigan State will also honor Title IX trailblazers from all MSU sports, as part of Michigan State's continued celebration of the 50 years of Title IX.
LOOKING AROUND THE LEAGUE
Through eight games in the Big Ten schedule, Ohio State is the only undefeated team remaining in the league (8-0), while Iowa and Ohio State are tied for second with matching 7-1 league records. Northwestern is the only team looking for its first league win with an 0-8 mark. Michigan State, Penn State, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Rutgers are all 2-6 so far in conference games.
JOINING THE BENCH
Former Michigan State All-American Nia Clouden returns to the Spartan bench this season. During the WNBA offseason, the Connecticut Sun guard will serve as a graduate assistant on Suzy Merchant's staff.
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh is swiftly climbing the MSU career charts. In just two seasons, Ekh has drained 119 3-pointers, which places her 14th in the MSU record books. In two seasons, she is shooting .403 from beyond the arc (119-for-295), which places her first all-time in MSU history. Ekh stands two treys away from tying Spartan All-American Aerial Powers (2013-16), who drained 121 treys in her career. Senior guard Moira Joiner stands 17th all-time with 110 career 3-point field goals.
Ekh's 69 3-pointers as a freshman were the second most all-time for a Spartan rookie. MSU All-American Lindsay Bowen holds the top spot with 77 treys as a freshman during the 2002-03 season.
GETTING IN THE LINEUP
Against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18, Michigan State used the starting line-up of graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel, sophomore guard DeeDee Hagemann, sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh, senior guard Moira Joiner and senior forward Taiyier Parks. It was the Spartans' second game with that starting five, standing 0-2 in those games. Overall it was MSU's sixth different line-up this season. McDaniel is the only Spartan to have started all 19 games. Both Ekh and Hagemann have started 18 games.
PLAY THE BEST TO BE THE BEST
The Dec. 29 win over No. 4/3 Indiana was MSU's third opponent ranked in the top 5, after facing then-No. 5/4 Iowa State on Nov. 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon, and playing at then-No. 3/4 Ohio State on Dec. 11, 2022. Overall, MSU has faced six ranked teams so far this season, taking on No. 18/18 Oregon on Nov. 27 and No. 13/14 Maryland on Jan. 7. On Jan. 14, the Spartans fell to No. 17/20 Michigan and No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18. MSU is 1-6 this season against ranked foes.
BREAKING RECORDS
Michigan State's 19 made 3-pointers against Maryland on Jan. 7 broke an MSU record. The previous record was 17 against Morehead State on Nov. 9, 2021. The 19 treys was also tied for the second-most in Big Ten history. The most made was 20 by Maryland in 2020.
LAST TIME VS. THE SCARLET KNIGHTS
With another balanced performance, the Michigan State women's basketball team captured its fourth-straight victory with a 61-45 win over Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey on Jan. 30.
Michigan State's offense had four players in double figures led by senior guard Nia Clouden's game-leading 17 points also adding six assists. Senior forward Alisia Smith was part of a lethal post duo with 14 points and six boards, while junior forward Taiyier Parks came off the bench for 11 points and 10 rebounds. She now has had three double-doubles this season. Freshman forward Matilda Ekh rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points.
MIGHTY MATILDA
Against Maryland on Jan. 7, sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh reached the 20-point mark for the second-straight game. She scored 20 points to lead the Spartans, highlighted by 17 points in the second half. Behind a 17-point second quarter against Northwestern, she scored 21 points on Jan. 2. The guard now has six games this season with at least four treys.
Against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18, Ekh registered 13 points on 3-for-6 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. Ekh's three triples move her into sole possession of the No. 14 spot on MSU's career 3-pointers list, pulling away from a tie with Taylor Alton (2008-12) with 116, as Ekh now has 119. The Vasteras, Sweden, native tallied double figures for the 13th time this season and 32nd in her career. Ekh also dished out a season-high five assists, surpassing her previous season-best mark of four set against Northwestern on Jan. 2, and just one shy of her career-high six helpers vs. Minnesota (1/23/22).
TAKING DOWN THE TOP
Michigan State's upset of No. 4/3 Indiana is the Spartans' highest win over a ranked team since upsetting No. 4/4 Michigan, 63-57, on Feb. 10, 2022 at the Breslin Center. MSU dealt the Hoosiers their first loss of the season, as Indiana brought a 12-0 overall and 2-0 Big Ten ledger into that contest.
KMAC'S CONSISTENCY
Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel reached double-figures for the sixth consecutive game, tallying 23 points with four rebounds against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18. One of McDaniel's two 3-pointers in the game came on her buzzer-beating half-courter to beat the halftime buzzer. Overall, she has reached double digits in 15 of MSU's 19 games. She has scored least 20 points five times this year. The guard leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.8 ppg, which is 17th in the league. She leads the team in points scored this season with 281. The most points she has scored in a season is 290, during her sophomore season at Penn State (2018-19).
DOUBLE THE MO
Senior guard Moira Joiner has had a resurgence since returning from concussion symptoms that shortened her 2021-22 season. In 19 games this season, she has averaged 9.6 points per game. She is having her most productive season as a Spartan. She is second on the team in 3-pointers with 29. She has started four game so far this season.
Joiner recorded a double-double for the first time in her collegiate career, booking 11 points and 10 rebounds in addition to three assists against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18. Joiner reached double figures in scoring for the 10th time in 2022-23 and the 23rd time in her career. The Saginaw, Michigan, native's 10 boards marked a new season high in the category, surpassing her previous season best of eight boards set against Maryland on Jan. 7. Joiner's one 3-pointer was her 110th career trey, as she is No. 17 on MSU's career 3-pointers list, one behind Rene Haynes (2003-07) for the No. 16 spot.
AROUND THE NATION
This week, Michigan State is 11th in the nation and fourth in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 18.0 apg, behind Iowa (20.2 apg). MSU is also 10th in the nation and second in the Big Ten in turnover margin (+6.4).
Individually, sophomore DeeDee Hagemann is 34th in the NCAA and fifth in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ratio (2.33). Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel is 39th in the nation and sixth in the league in total free throws made with 78. Sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh is 20th in the NCAA and third in the B1G in 3-pointers made with 50.
CLOSE CALLS
In the Spartans' nine losses this season, six of the nine defeats have come by a margin of nine points or less. On Nov. 27, MSU fell to No. 18/18 Oregon, 86-78. MSU lost to Georgia Tech on Dec. 1, 66-63, before falling in overtime to Purdue on Dec. 5, 76-71. Against No. 3/4 Ohio State, the Spartans fell, 74-68. Most recently, Michigan State fell to both No. 13/14 Maryland, Wisconsin and No. 10/9 Iowa by a combined 16 points.
BALANCED ATTACK
Without All-American Nia Clouden to dominate the box score this season, the Spartans are looking for a more balanced attack. In 17 games this season, Michigan State has spread out the scoring. Eight different players have led the team in scoring this season. Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel has led the team in scoring seven times this season. Senior forward Taiyier Parks and junior guard Gabby Elliott have both led the team in scoring twice. McDaniel has four 20-point games and has led the team in scoring in all of those games. Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh has led the squad in scoring four times, while senior guard Moira Joiner has been on top three times.
TOPPING THE CHARTS
Michigan State is among the Big Ten's leaders in several categories this season. The Spartans are currently tied for second in the B1G in turnover margin (+6.4) and third in steals (11.0 spg). MSU is also first in the league in offensive rebounds per game (14.9) and fourth in the conference in assists (18.0 apg). MSU currently stands sixth in the league in scoring margin (+15.6).
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh is first in the Big Ten in 3-point field percentage, shooting .417. She is also third in made 3-pointers per game with 2.8 Sophomore guard DeeDee Hagemann stands fifth in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ration (2.33). Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel is 17th in the league in scoring, averaging 14.8 ppg.
In conference games, senior forward Taiyier Parks is tied for 10th in rebounds, averaging 7.0 rpg. Redshirt-junior guard/forward Julia Ayrault stands tied for ninth in blocks with 0.88 bpg.
UP NEXT
Following the battle against the Scarlet Knights, Michigan State will travel to No. 21/23 Illinois on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. on BTN. The Spartans will remain on the road to face Nebraska in Lincoln on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 8:30 p.m. on BTN.
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.
FREQUENT FLYER
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh returned to the lineup for the Spartans against Oregon on Nov. 27. 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. 25. She also scored 14 points against Georgia Tech on Dec. 1 and 12 against Purdue on Dec. 5.
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.
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).
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.
CLOSING OUT THE GAMES
The Spartans have been extremely effective closing out games over the last couple years, winning 248 of its last 262 games (.947) when leading with five minutes left, including 198 of their last 214. In Coach Merchant's tenure, Michigan State is 282-22 (.928) when holding a lead with five minutes left. This season, MSU is 10-1 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 180 of their last 215 games (.837) when scoring at least 70 points, and the Spartans are 200-46 (.816) under head coach Suzy Merchant when hanging at least 70 points on the scoreboard. This season, MSU is 10-5 this season when scoring 70 points. The Spartans have losses to Oregon, Purdue Wisconsin, Maryland and Iowa when reaching the 70-point mark.
• The Spartans are looking to snap a four-game losing streak after falling to No. 10/9 Iowa in overtime, 81-84 on Jan. 18. MSU stands 10-9 overall and 2-6 in league contests. Rutgers has lost two-straight games after an 81-58 loss to Michigan on Jan. 19. The Scarlet Knights are 8-12 overall and 2-6 in league contests.
•Senior Moira Joiner recorded a double-double for the first time in her collegiate career, booking 11 points and 10 rebounds in addition to three assists. She reached double figures in scoring for the 10th time in 2022-23 and the 23rd time in her career.
•The Spartans lead the all-time series with Rutgers, 7-6. Last season, MSU captured a 61-45 win in Piscataway. Overall, MSU holds a 4-3 mark against Rutgers in East Lansing.
•Michigan State played its third overtime game this season, and not only were all three Big Ten contests, but they were also all three at home including the last two home games.
SCOUTING RUTGERS
Rutgers comes to East Lansing with an overall record of 8-12 overall and 2-6 in Big Ten action. The Scarlet Knights have lost two-straight games after falling to No. 14/16 Michigan, 81-58, on Jan. 19. Rutgers has conference wins against Nebraska at home and on the road against Minnesota.
Freshman Kaylene Smikle leads The Scarlet Knights in scoring and is ninth in the league, averaging 16.9 ppg. Chyna Cornwell is third in the conference in rebounding, bringing down 8.9 rpg, while Kassondra Brown is 16th with 6.3 rpg. Antonia Bates (1.2) and Brown (1.0) are both among the league leaders in blocks, standing sixth and ninth respectively. Smikle also is willing to swat the ball away, averaging 0.85 bpg, which is good for 12th.
Not surprisingly, Rutgers stands first in the Big Ten in blocks, averaging 4.9 bpg. The Scarlet Knights stand 13th in the league in scoring, averaging 63.6 ppg. They stand 12th in scoring defense, allowing 71.7 ppg. Rutgers stands 14th in assists (11.9 apg) and 12th in steals (7.6 spg).
Rutgers head coach Coquese Washington is in her first season with the Scarlet Knights holding am 8-12 mark. She is no stranger to the Big Ten, coaching at Penn State for 12 seasons, winning three Big Ten Championships.
SERIES HISTORY VS. THE SCARLET KNIGHTS
Michigan State and Rutgers have a fairly limited history with each other. Overall, the Spartans hold the series lead with a slight 7-6 advantage. MSU has won three of the last four outings. In East Lansing, the Spartans lead 4-3, while in Piscataway the series is tied 3-3.
The last time that the teams met in East Lansing, Rutgers came away with a 63-53 win on Feb. 24, 2021. Last season, Michigan State earned an impressive 61-45 win in Piscataway on Jan. 30, 2022. In that outing, four players reached double digits for the Spartans, led by 17 points from Nia Clouden
BY THE NUMBERS VS. IOWA
• Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel reached double-figures for the sixth consecutive game and 14th time this season, tallying 23 points with four rebounds. One of McDaniel's two 3-pointers in the game came on her buzzer-beating half-courter to beat the halftime buzzer. She tied a season-high at the free throw line, going 9-for-10, matching nine makes vs. Florida A&M (Nov. 16) and marking the fifth time this season and seventh time in her career with 10 attempts.
• Senior guard/forward Tory Ozment netted eight points off the bench, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, tying her season-best for triples, matching two treys at Maryland (Jan. 7). It was the first time this season that she was a perfect 100 percent from behind the arc. Ozment's eight points was also the second time in the last four games that she's posted eight points, also doing so in the aforementioned contest at Maryland.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Spartans will celebrate former women's basketball Alumni against Rutgers in its annual celebration. This year, Michigan State will also honor Title IX trailblazers from all MSU sports, as part of Michigan State's continued celebration of the 50 years of Title IX.
LOOKING AROUND THE LEAGUE
Through eight games in the Big Ten schedule, Ohio State is the only undefeated team remaining in the league (8-0), while Iowa and Ohio State are tied for second with matching 7-1 league records. Northwestern is the only team looking for its first league win with an 0-8 mark. Michigan State, Penn State, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Rutgers are all 2-6 so far in conference games.
JOINING THE BENCH
Former Michigan State All-American Nia Clouden returns to the Spartan bench this season. During the WNBA offseason, the Connecticut Sun guard will serve as a graduate assistant on Suzy Merchant's staff.
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh is swiftly climbing the MSU career charts. In just two seasons, Ekh has drained 119 3-pointers, which places her 14th in the MSU record books. In two seasons, she is shooting .403 from beyond the arc (119-for-295), which places her first all-time in MSU history. Ekh stands two treys away from tying Spartan All-American Aerial Powers (2013-16), who drained 121 treys in her career. Senior guard Moira Joiner stands 17th all-time with 110 career 3-point field goals.
Ekh's 69 3-pointers as a freshman were the second most all-time for a Spartan rookie. MSU All-American Lindsay Bowen holds the top spot with 77 treys as a freshman during the 2002-03 season.
GETTING IN THE LINEUP
Against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18, Michigan State used the starting line-up of graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel, sophomore guard DeeDee Hagemann, sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh, senior guard Moira Joiner and senior forward Taiyier Parks. It was the Spartans' second game with that starting five, standing 0-2 in those games. Overall it was MSU's sixth different line-up this season. McDaniel is the only Spartan to have started all 19 games. Both Ekh and Hagemann have started 18 games.
PLAY THE BEST TO BE THE BEST
The Dec. 29 win over No. 4/3 Indiana was MSU's third opponent ranked in the top 5, after facing then-No. 5/4 Iowa State on Nov. 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon, and playing at then-No. 3/4 Ohio State on Dec. 11, 2022. Overall, MSU has faced six ranked teams so far this season, taking on No. 18/18 Oregon on Nov. 27 and No. 13/14 Maryland on Jan. 7. On Jan. 14, the Spartans fell to No. 17/20 Michigan and No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18. MSU is 1-6 this season against ranked foes.
BREAKING RECORDS
Michigan State's 19 made 3-pointers against Maryland on Jan. 7 broke an MSU record. The previous record was 17 against Morehead State on Nov. 9, 2021. The 19 treys was also tied for the second-most in Big Ten history. The most made was 20 by Maryland in 2020.
LAST TIME VS. THE SCARLET KNIGHTS
With another balanced performance, the Michigan State women's basketball team captured its fourth-straight victory with a 61-45 win over Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey on Jan. 30.
Michigan State's offense had four players in double figures led by senior guard Nia Clouden's game-leading 17 points also adding six assists. Senior forward Alisia Smith was part of a lethal post duo with 14 points and six boards, while junior forward Taiyier Parks came off the bench for 11 points and 10 rebounds. She now has had three double-doubles this season. Freshman forward Matilda Ekh rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points.
MIGHTY MATILDA
Against Maryland on Jan. 7, sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh reached the 20-point mark for the second-straight game. She scored 20 points to lead the Spartans, highlighted by 17 points in the second half. Behind a 17-point second quarter against Northwestern, she scored 21 points on Jan. 2. The guard now has six games this season with at least four treys.
Against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18, Ekh registered 13 points on 3-for-6 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. Ekh's three triples move her into sole possession of the No. 14 spot on MSU's career 3-pointers list, pulling away from a tie with Taylor Alton (2008-12) with 116, as Ekh now has 119. The Vasteras, Sweden, native tallied double figures for the 13th time this season and 32nd in her career. Ekh also dished out a season-high five assists, surpassing her previous season-best mark of four set against Northwestern on Jan. 2, and just one shy of her career-high six helpers vs. Minnesota (1/23/22).
TAKING DOWN THE TOP
Michigan State's upset of No. 4/3 Indiana is the Spartans' highest win over a ranked team since upsetting No. 4/4 Michigan, 63-57, on Feb. 10, 2022 at the Breslin Center. MSU dealt the Hoosiers their first loss of the season, as Indiana brought a 12-0 overall and 2-0 Big Ten ledger into that contest.
KMAC'S CONSISTENCY
Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel reached double-figures for the sixth consecutive game, tallying 23 points with four rebounds against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18. One of McDaniel's two 3-pointers in the game came on her buzzer-beating half-courter to beat the halftime buzzer. Overall, she has reached double digits in 15 of MSU's 19 games. She has scored least 20 points five times this year. The guard leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.8 ppg, which is 17th in the league. She leads the team in points scored this season with 281. The most points she has scored in a season is 290, during her sophomore season at Penn State (2018-19).
DOUBLE THE MO
Senior guard Moira Joiner has had a resurgence since returning from concussion symptoms that shortened her 2021-22 season. In 19 games this season, she has averaged 9.6 points per game. She is having her most productive season as a Spartan. She is second on the team in 3-pointers with 29. She has started four game so far this season.
Joiner recorded a double-double for the first time in her collegiate career, booking 11 points and 10 rebounds in addition to three assists against No. 10/9 Iowa on Jan. 18. Joiner reached double figures in scoring for the 10th time in 2022-23 and the 23rd time in her career. The Saginaw, Michigan, native's 10 boards marked a new season high in the category, surpassing her previous season best of eight boards set against Maryland on Jan. 7. Joiner's one 3-pointer was her 110th career trey, as she is No. 17 on MSU's career 3-pointers list, one behind Rene Haynes (2003-07) for the No. 16 spot.
AROUND THE NATION
This week, Michigan State is 11th in the nation and fourth in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 18.0 apg, behind Iowa (20.2 apg). MSU is also 10th in the nation and second in the Big Ten in turnover margin (+6.4).
Individually, sophomore DeeDee Hagemann is 34th in the NCAA and fifth in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ratio (2.33). Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel is 39th in the nation and sixth in the league in total free throws made with 78. Sophomore guard/forward Matilda Ekh is 20th in the NCAA and third in the B1G in 3-pointers made with 50.
CLOSE CALLS
In the Spartans' nine losses this season, six of the nine defeats have come by a margin of nine points or less. On Nov. 27, MSU fell to No. 18/18 Oregon, 86-78. MSU lost to Georgia Tech on Dec. 1, 66-63, before falling in overtime to Purdue on Dec. 5, 76-71. Against No. 3/4 Ohio State, the Spartans fell, 74-68. Most recently, Michigan State fell to both No. 13/14 Maryland, Wisconsin and No. 10/9 Iowa by a combined 16 points.
BALANCED ATTACK
Without All-American Nia Clouden to dominate the box score this season, the Spartans are looking for a more balanced attack. In 17 games this season, Michigan State has spread out the scoring. Eight different players have led the team in scoring this season. Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel has led the team in scoring seven times this season. Senior forward Taiyier Parks and junior guard Gabby Elliott have both led the team in scoring twice. McDaniel has four 20-point games and has led the team in scoring in all of those games. Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh has led the squad in scoring four times, while senior guard Moira Joiner has been on top three times.
TOPPING THE CHARTS
Michigan State is among the Big Ten's leaders in several categories this season. The Spartans are currently tied for second in the B1G in turnover margin (+6.4) and third in steals (11.0 spg). MSU is also first in the league in offensive rebounds per game (14.9) and fourth in the conference in assists (18.0 apg). MSU currently stands sixth in the league in scoring margin (+15.6).
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh is first in the Big Ten in 3-point field percentage, shooting .417. She is also third in made 3-pointers per game with 2.8 Sophomore guard DeeDee Hagemann stands fifth in the Big Ten in assist/turnover ration (2.33). Graduate guard Kamaria McDaniel is 17th in the league in scoring, averaging 14.8 ppg.
In conference games, senior forward Taiyier Parks is tied for 10th in rebounds, averaging 7.0 rpg. Redshirt-junior guard/forward Julia Ayrault stands tied for ninth in blocks with 0.88 bpg.
UP NEXT
Following the battle against the Scarlet Knights, Michigan State will travel to No. 21/23 Illinois on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. on BTN. The Spartans will remain on the road to face Nebraska in Lincoln on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 8:30 p.m. on BTN.
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.
FREQUENT FLYER
Sophomore guard Matilda Ekh returned to the lineup for the Spartans against Oregon on Nov. 27. 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. 25. She also scored 14 points against Georgia Tech on Dec. 1 and 12 against Purdue on Dec. 5.
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.
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).
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.
CLOSING OUT THE GAMES
The Spartans have been extremely effective closing out games over the last couple years, winning 248 of its last 262 games (.947) when leading with five minutes left, including 198 of their last 214. In Coach Merchant's tenure, Michigan State is 282-22 (.928) when holding a lead with five minutes left. This season, MSU is 10-1 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 180 of their last 215 games (.837) when scoring at least 70 points, and the Spartans are 200-46 (.816) under head coach Suzy Merchant when hanging at least 70 points on the scoreboard. This season, MSU is 10-5 this season when scoring 70 points. The Spartans have losses to Oregon, Purdue Wisconsin, Maryland and Iowa when reaching the 70-point mark.
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/ Women's BasketballRobyn Fralick Postgame Press Conference | Oakland
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Thursday, November 20
Robyn Fralick Postgame Press Conference | Western Michigan
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