The Spartans outrebounded Minnesota by 14 in the game (45-31) and held a 21-12 advantage on the offensive end.

Minnesota head coach Pam Borton said the Spartans are a rebounding machine.
“They’re the best rebounding team in the Big Ten,” she said. “They’re averaging 40 rebounds a game and that’s just what they do.”

Grabbing 8.8 more boards than their opponents, MSU is first in the Big Ten in rebounding margin and rebounding defense, an area that even MSU head coach Suzy Merchant admitted she “questioned” coming into the 2010 season with the loss of freshman Madison Williams to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Washington said Merchant pushes the team in practice and has helped them understand the idea success isn’t only about size.

“We have big guards and great post players that are quick on our feet,” Washington said.
“It’s just effort. Coach is always challenging us to get on the boards and just telling us it’s not size, it’s just your effort and your quickness and just getting around bigger players.”

Young gun
Freshman Klarissa Bell is one of those taller guards who has seen more playing time recently and has become one of the first players off the bench.

Bell played 23 minutes and contributed five points and five rebounds against Minnesota.

Merchant said the reason for the extended playing time isn’t only because Bell is a fan favorite who attended East Lansing High School.

“Every high school senior that comes in here and plays at a high level, gets slapped in the face by something called defense,” Merchant said.

“I think it didn’t take her long to figure out that was part of her game she needed to improve on. I don’t think she’s there yet, but I do feel very comfortable putting her out on the floor.”