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TBBC Women’s Basketball Pregame Glance: Ohio State vs. Michigan State
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School: Michigan State University
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Founded: February 12, 1855
Student Population: 17,222 Undergraduates, 4,258 Postgraduates
School Type: Public
Division: NCAA I
Conference: Big Ten
First Season: Facility 1972-73, they now play in The Jack Breslin Center
Head Coach: Suzy Merchant, Ninth Season
Record: 341-182 Overall; 140-62 @ MSU
Alma Mater: Arizona,1999
Experience & Accomplishments Began her career in coaching at Saginaw Valley State for three years and moved on from there to Eastern Michigan where she built her reputation for recruiting and became the head coach in East Lansing in 2007. She has enjoyed great success since being there which includes the fastest coach to 100 victories in the history of the women’s program.
Program History Women’s basketball made it’s appearance in the basketball world in 1972-1973 led by first time head coach Mikki Baile. In 1974-1975 season, they went 13-5 and were led by Linda Stoick as their leading scorer with 20.4 ppg.
* Information Courtesy of Wikipedia and Michigan State official site
The Match-up
It’s been mostly about Kelsey Mitchell and Ameryst Alston (43.7 ppg combined) but they have brought along other players since facing the top three teams in the nation in UConn, South Carolina and Notre Dame (their three losses). Shayla Cooper is averaging close to a double-double with 11 ppg and 8.9 rebounds a game. Alexa Hart has been solid in her starting role this season at 9.1 ppg and a robust 23 blocks on the season already.
The two stars for Sparty are guard Tori Jankoska and forward Aerial Powers who have combined for over 34 ppg. Powers also leads the team in rebounding with 7.6 rpg. Jankoska is a huge threat from the outside and has already made 30 three-pointers on the young season. The Spartans also have a third player averaging in double digits as Branndais Agee brings 11.2 ppg to the table.
The coaching match-up here is special as well between Suzy Merchant and Kevin McGuff. Both believed to be two of the better coaches in the country right now with good programs, McGuff is 1 and 2 versus Sparty since coming to Ohio State and would like to even things up today!
Buckeyes and Sparty
The early season battles between the three stars of each team will be special. First we will see what MSU intends to do with Kelsey Mitchell. One thing is for sure, the three point battle between her and Jankoska will be one everybody will be keeping an eye on!
The difference in the game will probably come down to the battle on the rims between Alexa Hart and Aerial Powers. Two of the best at their position in the B1G, these two will have their work cut out for them today. Hart should win the battle as she is a little more athletic and can bring Powers away from the basket on the offensive end of the floor.
Prediction
The Buckeyes defeated the Spartans the last time they played in Columbus 72-62 on one of the worst team shooting nights for both teams (38% for OSU, 29% for MSU). However, Mitchell finished with 31 points in that contest.
The Buckeyes need to keep their pace up and try not to force shots. The Mitchell/Alston duo has been better at sharing the wealth which is where they need to be if they want to beat any of the top three they have already faced later in March.
Defensively the Buckeyes are improving by leaps and bounds and have been able to slow opposing teams down at the point of attack, get the turnovers they need and get up the floor and score. The deep bench has been a blessing for Coach McGuff’s team this season.
The Buckeyes win this one going away this team 84-69
The post TBBC Women’s Basketball Pregame Glance: Ohio State vs. Michigan State appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
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WVaBuckeye via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
#9 Ohio State vs. #22 Michigan State
Day: Thursday
Date: Dec. 31, 2015
Location: Value City Arena, Columbus
Time: Noon ET
Day: Thursday
Date: Dec. 31, 2015
Location: Value City Arena, Columbus
Time: Noon ET
Coverage – TV: BTN – AM1460 The FAN Radio
School: Michigan State University
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Founded: February 12, 1855
Student Population: 17,222 Undergraduates, 4,258 Postgraduates
School Type: Public
Division: NCAA I
Conference: Big Ten
First Season: Facility 1972-73, they now play in The Jack Breslin Center
Head Coach: Suzy Merchant, Ninth Season
Record: 341-182 Overall; 140-62 @ MSU
Alma Mater: Arizona,1999
Experience & Accomplishments Began her career in coaching at Saginaw Valley State for three years and moved on from there to Eastern Michigan where she built her reputation for recruiting and became the head coach in East Lansing in 2007. She has enjoyed great success since being there which includes the fastest coach to 100 victories in the history of the women’s program.
Program History Women’s basketball made it’s appearance in the basketball world in 1972-1973 led by first time head coach Mikki Baile. In 1974-1975 season, they went 13-5 and were led by Linda Stoick as their leading scorer with 20.4 ppg.
* Information Courtesy of Wikipedia and Michigan State official site
The Match-up
It’s been mostly about Kelsey Mitchell and Ameryst Alston (43.7 ppg combined) but they have brought along other players since facing the top three teams in the nation in UConn, South Carolina and Notre Dame (their three losses). Shayla Cooper is averaging close to a double-double with 11 ppg and 8.9 rebounds a game. Alexa Hart has been solid in her starting role this season at 9.1 ppg and a robust 23 blocks on the season already.
The two stars for Sparty are guard Tori Jankoska and forward Aerial Powers who have combined for over 34 ppg. Powers also leads the team in rebounding with 7.6 rpg. Jankoska is a huge threat from the outside and has already made 30 three-pointers on the young season. The Spartans also have a third player averaging in double digits as Branndais Agee brings 11.2 ppg to the table.
The coaching match-up here is special as well between Suzy Merchant and Kevin McGuff. Both believed to be two of the better coaches in the country right now with good programs, McGuff is 1 and 2 versus Sparty since coming to Ohio State and would like to even things up today!
Buckeyes and Sparty
The early season battles between the three stars of each team will be special. First we will see what MSU intends to do with Kelsey Mitchell. One thing is for sure, the three point battle between her and Jankoska will be one everybody will be keeping an eye on!
The difference in the game will probably come down to the battle on the rims between Alexa Hart and Aerial Powers. Two of the best at their position in the B1G, these two will have their work cut out for them today. Hart should win the battle as she is a little more athletic and can bring Powers away from the basket on the offensive end of the floor.
Prediction
The Buckeyes defeated the Spartans the last time they played in Columbus 72-62 on one of the worst team shooting nights for both teams (38% for OSU, 29% for MSU). However, Mitchell finished with 31 points in that contest.
The Buckeyes need to keep their pace up and try not to force shots. The Mitchell/Alston duo has been better at sharing the wealth which is where they need to be if they want to beat any of the top three they have already faced later in March.
Defensively the Buckeyes are improving by leaps and bounds and have been able to slow opposing teams down at the point of attack, get the turnovers they need and get up the floor and score. The deep bench has been a blessing for Coach McGuff’s team this season.
The Buckeyes win this one going away this team 84-69
The post TBBC Women’s Basketball Pregame Glance: Ohio State vs. Michigan State appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
Continue reading...