Led by the 12 points from Hines, the MSU women’s basketball team (3-0) cruised to a 57-29 victory over Virginia Tech (1-2) on Sunday at Breslin Center.

Junior guard Klarissa Bell and senior guard Jasmine Thomas added to the performance with 10 points and five assists each, while senior forward Courtney Schiffauer had an all-around strong effort with six points, four assists and nine rebounds on the day.

It’s the 11th time in program history that the Spartans have started 3-0, with the last time coming during the 2008-09 season.

With multiple injuries and suspensions on the roster, head coach Suzy Merchant emphasized strong post play with the opportunity to get easy buckets in the paint. And after a lopsided win against the Hokies on Sunday, it appears the results are paying off.

“We really want to score in the paint,” Merchant said. “We actually charted our paint touches, so even if we’re spreading the offense, we’re trying to get points in the paint to create offense in the inside-out attack. It might be through the post; it might be through a drive and a kick. But it is important to us.”

MSU’s post game was strengthened by sophomore forward Becca Mills, who posted 10 points and three rebounds in 21 minutes.

“Our post, Becca and Jasmine, are monsters,” Schiffauer said. “They had, like, five and-ones, I feel like, tonight. When you get the ball down there, there’s really, as of right now, no stopping them. So they do a nice job getting fouled, going into people and finishing.”

Although Merchant noted that Mills’ inside play needs improvement, she said her versatility opens up the offense.

“That’s probably Becca’s greatest strength, is her ability to extend the defense,” Merchant said. “Even at the five, we try to utilize her that way, moving her away from the basket, instead of just popping and rolling her. She does have a skill set down there; we’re trying to work on her ability to score with people banging on her on a physical play, she doesn’t always like that.”

MSU displayed a strong defensive effort throughout the game, as the Hokies were held to 25.6 percent shooting. Defense has been a large factor in the team’s strong start, as they’ve won by at least 11 in each of their victories.

“Defense is always a big key for Michigan State, and I think putting that extra emphasis on there is what leads to our offense,” Thomas said. “Our guards did a great job of keeping their guards on the outside of the paint or staying down on their upfakes. And our focus, as well staying down and boxing out: rebounding. It was a collective effort.”

The Spartans return to action at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Breslin Center against Albany (2-1).