Michigan State has always pushed the Sisters to the limit and they came into this game 7-0, but with an unimpressive list of opponents. There was much ballyhoo about their full court press and how they averaged forcing nearly 25 turnovers per game, many of which translated directly to points.
Now if I told you that our own Ashley Joens would enter the fourth quarter with but a single basket (a three in the first quarter) you'd likely be worried. Coming in she had apparently separated her left shoulder and didn't participate in any practices since arriving. Things just looked off for her. So here we go...
The first quarter was a back and forth affair. Both teams' defense really made the offensive side of things look out of sync and more than a bit scattered. While I just focused on ISU out of the gates nothing seemed to go right and you'd swear MSU would have a 6-8 point lead. But no, the stingy defense of the Sisters would keep MSU right within sight and then some shots started to fall as the team settled in. A Joens three to start things (who knew this would be her only basket for THREE quarters), another by Donarski and Fritz and several feeds to Soares for what looked like easy two's and ISU would slowly but surely open a lead. MSU's defense bothered the Sisters, but MSU was bothered even more by the Sisters' defense after it settled down. At the end of one the ladies would lead 18-12. Then the fireworks began.
The second quarter showed some efficient offense as Kane came off the bench to spell Soares. This was her best game of the year so far. Good hustle and she battled to get a couple of baskets underneath. Emily Ryan took over as the offense shifted into gear making her damage at the line making five while scoring a basket to top it off. Scoring 37 points by half isn't that impressive for this team. But when you know that Joens was scoreless in the second and the defense gave MSU fits it all added up. MSU just couldn't find open shots and when they did they missed. Those misses kept adding up and when the quarter was over, that six point lead had expanded to 20 as the Sisters outscored MSU 19-5. FIVE points. It was an impressive defensive showing for sure. The ladies shifted off screens, the posts clogged the middle and things were just plain tough for Sparty. ISU leads 37-17 at the break. When is the last time you saw ISU hold a quality D1 opponent to 17 points in a half?
The third quarter saw some life out of MSU. They essentially played the ladies even. Again, keep in mind. Joens didn't score a single point this quarter. All of the damage so far from this game came from her teammates. That's a good sign folks. One of the impressive things to watch was how the team kept feeding the ball to Soares. Ryan would toss it up and Soares would grab and score. She also made some very nice offensive rebounds with put backs. Even more impressive was watching her on the defensive end. She did just about everything, but alter shots was the name of the game. IF someone came in the middle her very presence changed the thinking of the opposing player. Soares would score nine of the Sisters' points in the third. No major offensive outbursts as ISU would answer any push MSU gave and actually expanded the lead to 24 by the end of the third 53-29. You'd think MSU would fade into the sunset and you'd be wrong.
The fourth saw MSU actually come to life. Their pressure led to some uncharacteristic turnovers by the Sisters resulting in some unanswered buckets. They actually brought the lead down to 16 before the ladies answered back. Also helping Sparty were some chaotic fouls on the defensive end that led to free throw opportunities. ISU decided to rain on their parade though as a series of three pointers by Joens, Fritz and Donarski would blow the lead back over 20 points for good. It was time for the subs to come in and everyone saw the floor. Here's another thing to note. MSU still pressed. The reserves handled it and the machine just kept on working on both ends of the court. There was 100% hustle. Just as she did last game, Zingaro made her presence known with a couple of nice buckets and rebounds. It was fun to watch. The final...80-49. A dominant win for the ladies.
Observations
POG - This was the coming out party for Steph Soares. 23 points, 11 boards, 6 blocks and 3 assists. She was nearly unstoppable.
POG pt 2 - I have to mention Ryan. She handled the MSU press quite well. She fed the ball to open players...especially Soares. When given the opportunity she drove the hoop and either scored, was fouled, or both. What a gamer. 17 points, 4 boards, 8 assists and 7-8 from the line.
Joens - It was one of those nights. I suspect her injury and no prep time impacted her game. Did it slow her from still having an impact? Heck no. Ended up with 8 points and 5 boards. Only took 9 shots total. That says something about the rest of the team stepping up.
Donarski - defense baby, defense. She was all over the place. Played her tail off. Made a couple of turnovers that were uncharacteristic, but otherwise an ok game with 6 points and 2 boards. We need some more offense from her, but her effort on the other end was crucial.
Kane - as mentioned, best game of the season to date. Fought hard and was not a liability on either end. Seemed comfortable. 6 points and SIX boards. Good minutes here.
Diew - the only other sub with considerable minutes. Not a scoring threat today, but hustled on D and made a solid contribution. Took her a minute or two to adjust to what MSU was doing.
Reserves - I am getting more and more impressed that our reserves can come in and the game doesn't become a chaotic mess. They play defense. They run the offense. They are fun to watch.
Big stats? 45 rebounds (45-36 margin). 20 assists. 6 blocks. Only 14 turnovers. On the defensive side? MSU shot 11% from 3 and 28% overall.
What's up next? Things get tougher. #8 North Carolina disposed of #18 Oregon 85-79. North Carolina will be a tough matchup, but if we continue to play defense like this and take advantage of offensive opportunities the game should be fun. Let's also hope that Ashley is back to her normal self. North Carolina had five players in double figures and ran a four guard set. Some things to note...very pedestrian free throw shooters. Downright terrible from deep (27%). So you know running four guards they like to shoot medium range and drive.
vs 
cyclonefanatic.com
