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DeHaan sets all-time Big Ten blocks record in loss

March 6, 2009

Junior center Allyssa DeHaan attempts to block a shot by Wisconsin forward Lin Zastrow at the women’s basketball game against against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday. DeHaan broke the all-time Big Ten record for blocked shots during the game

Indianapolis — Allyssa DeHaan doesn’t keep track of her statistics, but doesn’t shy from them when they’re mentioned.

But after a tough 56-50 loss in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament to Wisconsin on Friday, DeHaan was mum about setting the Big Ten career block record midway through the first half.

“The block record doesn’t matter,” she said. “It’s not about individual right now. I didn’t do my part to help our team get the ‘W.’”

DeHaan tied the mark, set by former Ohio State center Jessica Davenport, with a swat against Wisconsin forward Lin Zastrow at the 10:40 mark in the first half. DeHaan followed it up with the record-breaking block — the 387th in her three-year career — against Wisconsin guard Teah Grant at 6:59 in the first half.

Though bothered consistently by Wisconsin’s post defenders, the 6-foot-9 DeHaan was able to muster nine points, six rebounds and four blocks in the game.

Ending Big Ten play, DeHaan is now ninth all-time on the NCAA career blocks list, behind former Connecticut star Lisa Lobo.

With a year left, MSU coach Suzy Merchant was optimistic about the level DeHaan can reach.

“She’s a force in there,” Merchant said. “It’s nice to have her back there if we do get beat on dribble drives — that she’s back there to do a good job going after shots. That’s something that plays, it doesn’t matter where we put her. That 6-foot-9 frame does bother people. I give her a lot of credit for that. It’s a great feat and she’s got another year to go.”

Going into Friday’s game, DeHaan was averaging 10.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and three blocks per game. The block average is second in the conference and ninth in the NCAA.

She is the program’s leader in career blocks (387), single-season blocks (150) and single-game blocks (9).

Sandra Irvin (Texas Christian) is the NCAA career blocks leader, with 480.

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