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Valparaiso at Michigan State Women’s Basketball: How to Watch and Prediction
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- Valparaiso at Michigan State Women’s Basketball: How to Watch and Prediction
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
WHO: Valparaiso Beacons (0-0, 0-0) at Michigan State Spartans (0-0, 0-0)
WHERE: Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI
WHEN: Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 p.m. ET
WATCH: B1G+
The Michigan State Spartans are kicking off their regular season at home Tuesday night against the Valparaiso Beacons, and fans can watch the matchup live on B1G+.
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Michigan State enters the season with an almost entirely new look to its roster. With nine newcomers and the need to replace three of its top four scorers from a year ago, there are plenty of question marks surrounding this year's team.
Robyn Fralick has managed to lead the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament in each of her first three seasons as head coach. Now, Fralick faces the task of finding the right chemistry with what is the youngest roster she has had during her tenure at Michigan State.
However, Fralick does return her best player, powerhouse junior Kennedy Blair . Blair averaged 14.5 points per game last season, ranking second on the team, while leading the Spartans in rebounds (7.1) and assists (5.2) per game.
Along with Blair, Fralick also returns a player who missed most of last season, Theryn Hallock. Hallock averaged 10.6 points per game and will look to provide some much-needed veteran leadership.
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The Spartans' freshmen and transfers will need to adapt quickly to the team and Fralick's style of play. Based on Michigan State's exhibition performance , however, that transition looked like it could come naturally.
Australian freshman Monique Bobongie led the team in scoring during the exhibition and didn't look anything like a freshman. Instead, Bobongie played like a seasoned veteran who was ready to come out firing on all cylinders. That same energy and youthful excitement will be something the Spartans look to carry throughout the season.
Michigan State also has McDonald's All-American freshman Lilly Williams at the center position. If Williams can step onto the court and use her size and strength to overpower opponents, the Spartans could be a sneaky-good team this season.
The Spartans were left out of the AP Top 25 preseason poll, but they won't shy away from adversity. Instead, they'll look to lean on a balance of veteran leadership and youthful excitement as they pursue their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
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This season, however, the goal is to take another step forward and reach the Sweet Sixteen for the first time during Fralick's tenure in East Lansing.
Michigan State vs. Valparaiso Prediction
I expect Michigan State to come out strong in its regular-season opener and take care of business against Valparaiso. With Kennedy Blair leading the way and several newcomers looking to make an immediate impact, the Spartans should have enough talent and depth to pull away as the game progresses.
My Prediction:
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Michigan State: 88
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Valparaiso: 60
The quest for a Big Ten title and beyond tips off Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. ET on B1G+. Fralick, Blair, Hallock and company will look to start the season on the right foot when they welcome the Valparaiso Beacons to the Breslin Center.
