Michigan State University freshman center Inés Sotelo (15) scores a layup in the season-opening exhibition game against Wayne State University at the Breslin Center on Oct. 28, 2024. The Spartans beat the Warriors, 101-40.
Michigan State women’s basketball freshman center Inés Sotelo is acclimating herself to her new scenery.
Sotelo, an international recruit from Ourense, Spain, played basketball for Durán Maquinaria Ensino, a professional women’s basketball club in the Spanish First Division.
In MSU's 95-49 win over Eastern Michigan Monday night, Sotelo shined with 13 points, three rebounds and one steal for the Spartans.
No matter the difficulty, Sotelo is discovering her path living in a new country and learning a different style of basketball.
"I feel like I am finding my place here," Sotelo said. "Each time I am making more things that I know. In the beginning with not as much confidence in myself and now this time I’m getting more confidence. Today I feel like I had a good game because I scored points and I felt more like myself."
EMU forward Sisi Eleko is a major scoring threat as a big, physical post player. She tallied 25 points Monday night and was often Sotelo's defensive assignment.
"I thought tonight, you know, that that'll be a good learning lesson for (Sotelo), but she's getting more and more comfortable," MSU head coach Robyn Fralick said. "She has a really good feel and really good ball skills. You know English is her second language, and yet she picks up on things really, really fast. Her feel for the game is great. We’re just really excited about her. A freshman with her size, versatility, and athleticism with the way we play and press, she just fits in so many ways."
Three other Spartans scored in double-digits to help MSU remain in control the entire game. Junior guard Theryn Hallock scored 18 points, graduate guard Julia Ayrault scored 13 and redshirt freshman Kennedy Blair tallied 11. Graduate guard Jaddan Simmons led the team with seven rebounds and six assists.
The Spartans will be back in action Thursday, Nov. 14 at Breslin Center to take on Eastern Kentucky. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. The game will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
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