East Lansing– In Michigan State’s final test before going on the road, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels will come into East Lansing looking to pull the upset. However, as the Spartans look to continue rolling on both ends of the court, this proves to be a tall task.
Defensively in their last three games, MSU is averaging 31 turnovers forced and 45 points allowed. This is in large part due to the inbound press that the Spartans utilize all game, which so far has created a massive disruption in offensive flow for opponents.
In their last game against Eastern Michigan, MSU held the Eagles to 34% shooting on the night in a defensive performance that featured a nine-point third quarter. One potential crack in the wall could be rim protection.
As EMU’s junior forward Sisi Eleko made her impression inside by earning a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds.
This comes with the important caveat that MSU was missing an impact transfer in the interior, as junior forward Grace VanSlooten did not appear due to an illness and could return against EKU.
Not only may the Spartans have VanSlooten back but they also bring star power in the backcourt, and a lot of depth on the bench.
Starting guards junior Theyrn Hallock and graduate Julia Ayrault combined for 31 points against EMU and basically put the game to rest in the first half.
The Spartan bench is also gaining valuable minutes in the early goings, and making a real impact on games.
MSU has scored at least 42 bench points in each of the first three games, with the effort against EMU being fronted by freshman center Ines Sotelo and redshirt freshman guard Kennedy Blair.
Sotelo went 5-8 from the field, good for 13 points and Blair went 2-3 from beyond the arc and finished with 11 points.
EKU, who got their first win against Southern Illinois, is looking to keep moving in the right direction. To pull off the shocker, they need a big night from their backcourt.
In their win against SIU, freshman guard Liz Freihofer broke out for 13 points and was aided by an 11-point, five-rebound effort from senior guard Kaitlyn Costner. Costner should be someone to look out for, as she has Big Ten experience at Ohio State before transferring to EKU last season.
EKU could further expose the Spartan paint defense if fifth-year forward Jasmine McGinnis-Taylor puts together a nice performance.
She put up a double-double against SIU, consisting of 12 points and led the team in rebounds with 11. She also established a defensive presence with five blocks.
The Colonels are also battle-tested, having already arguably played their toughest opponent of the season in No. 7 LSU, so don’t expect this EKU squad to back down from a challenge.
MSU will look to end their early run at home undefeated on Thursday, Nov. 14, with tip set for 6:30 p.m.
