It's been an up and down season for the MSU women's basketball team. They've been spectacular at home — losing just one game — but have struggled on the road.
They were blown out by top-tier teams early in the season, but have since rallied back to show that when they're at their best, they can compete with any team in the nation.
Considering that the Spartans had to live up to the expectations of last year's National Runner-up team, and only have two seniors on their roster, they've done about everything that could be expected of them.
The NCAA tournament is right around the corner, and the team seems to be finding its stride at the perfect time.
Overall grade: B+
Backcourt: B
Lindsay Bowen has been rock-steady for the Spartans throughout the season. Although this senior guard isn't always the most efficient scorer, she always manages to put 12 points on the board. She also brings something that statistics can't measure: clutch shooting. If the Spartans need game-clinching free throws or a big 3-pointer to stop an opponent's run, Bowen is the player they turn to.
The wings, however, have been inconsistent. Junior guard Victoria Lucas-Perry will be burning the nets in one game, then disappear in the next. Junior guard Rene Haynes is at her best when slashing to the basket, but often makes the wrong decision when she's handling the ball, leading to unnecessary turnovers.
Frontcourt: B+
During a three-game road trip early in the conference season, things were looking bleak in the paint for the Green and White's frontcourt. But that's no knock on Liz Shimek, who has been the Spartans' most steady player all season long. With per-game averages of 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds, there isn't much more the senior center could offer.
But the team seriously lacked a second option in the post. Sophomore center Laura Hall and freshman center Lauren Aitch have been inconsistent at best. But thanks to Shimek and the help of freshman forward Aisha Jefferson, the Spartans' frontcourt has rounded into shape.
Bench: C
By far, the Spartans' weakest link is their bench. Sophomore guard Maggie Dwyer is the only reserve player who can be counted on to contribute in every game. She's effective on defense and helps with rebounding, but doesn't provide much of a scoring punch.
Sophomore Courtney Davidson can be electrifying and maddening all at once. She's an incredible passer, weaving the ball through the tiniest gaps, but she's a defensive liability, as well as a below-average shooter.
Freshmen guards Jenny Poff and Tiffanie Shives have found minutes hard to come by, mostly because head coach Joanne P. McCallie said they're not "fit" enough to play for an extended period.
Coaching: B
For the most part, the coaching staff has gotten the most out of the roster that it could. Jefferson is playing better than anyone could have expected, and all the players that saw significant minutes got better as the season went on.
If there's one misstep by the coaching staff, it's been their inability to get the team ready to play on the road. The Spartans were blown out in games against No. 5 Tennessee, No. 4 Maryland, No. 2 LSU, and No. 10 Purdue, all of which took place away from Breslin Center. MSU looked lethargic in a Jan. 15 loss to Minnesota, only to light up the Golden Gophers for 57 first-half points when the Spartans got a rematch at home. If the Spartans hope to make another run to the Final Four, the coaching staff will need to have the team well-prepared for some neutral-site games.
