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Michigan State Women’s Basketball Opens Season With Dominant 98-44 Win
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- Michigan State Women’s Basketball Opens Season With Dominant 98-44 Win
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
A massive win to kick off the season for the Michigan State Spartans.
From beginning to end, one thing was evident throughout Tuesday night's matchup against Valparaiso: This Spartans team looks hungry.
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The physicality was evident from the very beginning, and the passion carried throughout the entirety of the game. This team wanted it from the opening tip until the final buzzer.
That hunger will need to remain as the Spartans begin facing tougher competition. With a roster featuring a combination of returning players and an influx of newcomers, the trials and tribulations of a college basketball season will undoubtedly test this group.
However, if head coach Robyn Fralick can keep her team playing with the same intensity, pressing, shooting and hustling like it did against Valparaiso, Michigan State might just be one of the sneakiest teams in the Big Ten.
The Spartans dominated throughout the contest, using a full-court press on the defensive end to force Valparaiso into chaotic offensive possessions. Those mistakes turned into favorable opportunities for Michigan State, which took full advantage.
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Amy Terrian Leads the Way
Sophomore guard Amy Terrian matched her career high with five three-pointers Tuesday night. Terrian led all Spartans in scoring with 15 points, doing all her damage off the bench.
After the game, Terrian highlighted just how much fun she has had playing with this group so far.
"We have a really good team. It's really fun playing with these girls."
Terrian was arguably the player of the game, knocking down five of her six attempts from beyond the arc. Her efficiency provided another spark for an already electric Michigan State offense.
Newcomers and Veterans Unite
Newcomers make up the majority of Michigan State's roster this season, with nine players joining the program. However, you wouldn't have known it by watching Tuesday night's performance, as the new-look Spartans looked right at home.
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Kathy-Emma Otta scored 13 points and tied for the team high with seven rebounds. She also tied for the team lead in steals with four.
The dynamic duo of Kennedy Blair and Theryn Hallock each finished with 12 points, while both added three steals. Blair led the team with nine assists and showcased her ability to see the floor, consistently keeping her eyes open for the right play.
Truly, the entire team was electric.
Freshman Monique Bobongie added nine points and finished with a plus-minus of +33, the second-best mark on the team behind Blair's +34.
Spartans Dominate the Team Stats
Michigan State's dominance wasn't just evident on the scoreboard. The Spartans controlled nearly every statistical category throughout the contest.
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The Spartans shot 52% from the field (36-for-69) and 35% from three-point range (8-for-23). Hallock and Blair combined to go 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, but that is an area that should only improve as the season progresses. If Michigan State continues getting outside shooting from players like Bobongie and Terrian, that could become a scary sight for Big Ten opponents.
The Spartans outrebounded the Beacons 50-33 and finished with 20 steals and 25 assists.
Michigan State also took care of the basketball better than its opponent, committing just 17 turnovers compared to Valparaiso's 30. The Spartans capitalized on those mistakes, scoring 38 points off turnovers.
Free throws are another important part of closing out games, particularly as the season progresses. Michigan State showcased its ability at the charity stripe, missing just five attempts all night while converting 18 of 23.
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Michigan State Looks to Build on Opening Night
The Spartans needed to prove they could gel and mesh together, and through their exhibition matchup and Tuesday night's regular-season opener, they are showing that they are not only coming together but potentially building a team capable of competing with some of the elite programs in the country.
Michigan State will now head to Toledo to take on the Rockets in a rare road matchup. The fans are expected to show out with the Lady Spartans coming to town, and it will provide a true test for this team.
The Spartans are officially 1-0 after their dominant 98-44 victory, taking one small step closer to reaching their goals this season.
If Tuesday night was any indication, this Michigan State team has plenty of potential.
