Tuesday, October 22, 2024

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Sports | Basketball

BASKETBALL

Spartans value defense with smaller rotation

A player has to be able to guard the person in front of her. That is what women’s basketball head coach Suzy Merchant said after the MSU women’s basketball team defeated Virginia Tech 57-29 on Sunday, allowing the fewest amount of points in a regular-season game since it gave up only 27 against Michigan in 2009.

BASKETBALL

No. 21 Spartans rout Texas Southern 69-41

It was the first time Gary Harris walked on the floor before a regular-season crowd at Breslin Center. And even in less playing time than he’s becoming accustomed to, the freshman guard made an impact that won’t soon be forgotten.

BASKETBALL

Valentine shows flashes of brillance against Texas Southern

There are times Denzel Valentine makes his head coach’s blood boil. The flashy freshman guard loves to make the highlight play in the open floor, but in transitioning to college, Valentine still is learning to adjust to the increased speed of the game, figuring out what plays are truly there to be made.

BASKETBALL

Women's basketball defeats Virginia Tech 57-29

Stepping into a role vacated because of the injury to sophomore center Madison Williams, Jasmine Hines understands the size of the shoes she has to fill. On Sunday, she proved that she’s more than capable of anchoring the center spot in Williams’ absence. 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.

BASKETBALL

Women's basketball uses paint to advantage in win against Virginia Tech

Many times, the team that dominates under the basket wins the game, and for the MSU women’s basketball team, that definitely was the case Sunday evening against Virginia Tech. Although the Spartans outrebounded the Hokies, 34-33, MSU grabbed nine offensive rebounds that led to extra points, which helped them roll over VT, 57-29. More than half of the Spartans’ 57 points came from inside the paint as well.

BASKETBALL

Appling plays major role in victory over Jayhawks

As the first half against No. 7 Kansas came to a close, junior guard Keith Appling only had three points to his name. One half and 16 points later, Keith Appling was walking into the locker room as the leading scorer of the game. More importantly for Appling, however, was that the scoreboard read “MSU: 67, Kansas: 64.”

BASKETBALL

Gary Harris maturing in first season with Spartans

There’s a lot to like about Gary Harris. A former McDonald’s All-American, the freshman guard was highly touted before he even stepped foot on campus. He’s a highlight reel in the making, possessing the combination of size and speed to be successful in the Big Ten and beyond. On top of that, he has the charisma of a much older athlete, while still carrying the natural whimsy of a first-year college player.

BASKETBALL

Merchant makes return to EMU

When head coach Suzy Merchant and the MSU women’s basketball team travels to Ypsilanti, Mich., to take on Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. Thursday, it will be homecoming of sorts for MSU’s head coach.