The MSU women’s basketball team has never made it to the semifinals of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
But a win tonight against Alabama (19-11) would send the Spartans (18-12) to the final four of the WNIT.
Freshman guard Kristin Haynie said the chance to play for the tournament title would be exciting, adding playing the Crimson Tide at Breslin Center should help the Spartans achieve that goal.
“It’s very exciting to play for any championship; it doesn’t matter if it’s the NIT, the Big Ten or the NCAA,” Haynie said. “We’re just gonna go out here and try to pursue a championship.
“It’s really exciting to come back to the Breslin and play in front of our fans.”
MSU last played the Tide on Dec. 10, 2000. Alabama won that game 54-53 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“It was a very close game,” said sophomore guard Candice Jackson. “I remember their fans were pretty hostile.
“It’s time for payback.”
With Alabama averaging 83.5 points through the first two games of the tournament, Spartan head coach Joanne P. McCallie said she doesn’t expect another game in the 50s.
MSU is averaging 78.5 points in the tournament.
“They are uptempo, they love to run,” McCallie said. “They are athletic and jumpy.
“They have some three-point shooters and a nice penetrating point guard. (Shondra Johnson) is definitely a big key for them. She controls the tempo and she makes plays.”
In 2000, Johnson scored 10 points in the Tide’s win. Guard Beth Vice led Alabama in that game with 12 points and Center LaNisha Cartwell added eight points and 10 rebounds. The three give the Tide an inside-out offensive attack that accounts for 38.8 points a night.
“We’re definitely concerned,” Jackson said. “We just have to all play together and all be on the same page to stop their guards and their post.”
McCallie said the Spartans are taking the same approach to Alabama as they did in the first two games of the WNIT.
“I think it’s another opportunity to extend our season,” she said. “That’s the way I choose to look at it and always will. The team that wants it the most is going to get it.”
McCallie said the more success MSU has now, the more success it’ll have next season.
“Success in the NIT, that does roll over into the next year,” she said. “People will remember that.
“We’re trying to create a culture of women’s basketball and postseason play and being there every single year. I think our team is in tune with what we’re trying to do.”
