EAST LANSING– After a successful business trip to Kalamazoo to stay undefeated, the next test for MSU comes at home against the Detroit Mercy Titans.
While the Spartans are coming off their lowest point total of the season against Western Michigan, the individual performances of junior forward Grace VanSlooten and graduate guard Julia Ayrault shined through.
In 26 minutes of game time, VanSlooten shot 70% from the floor for 18 points. VanSlooten also earned her first double-double at MSU by collecting 13 rebounds, with seven of those coming on the offensive glass.
Just behind her in scoring came Ayrault, who recorded 15 on 6-10 shooting. She also secured the second double-double on the night for the Spartans, hauling in 10 rebounds. If these two continue their early season dominance against UDM, a comfortable win should be expected.
This is especially true if the Spartan defense continues to be incredibly disruptive, as the all-game press continues to break down offenses and force them out of rhythm.
Against WMU, MSU forced 25 turnovers, held the Broncos to 35.6% from the floor, and outclassed them on the glass by only giving up four offensive rebounds and four points off of those. The Spartans defense also held their opponent to under 50 total points for the fourth time in this early season.
If the Titans want to break through the MSU defense and get their third win of the season, they need a big night from their guard duo of junior Myonna Hooper and fifth-year Aaliyah McQueen.
In UDM’s two-point victory over Bellarmine, Hooper and McQueen tied as the game-scoring leaders at 16 apiece, and combined for five steals and six rebounds on the night.
The Titans also happened to be opportunistic on mistakes and turnovers in this win. UDM scored 25 on the fast break and 29 off of turnovers, so playing clean basketball is also key for the Spartans heading into this contest.
MSU looks to get past UDM and remain undefeated heading into the Acrisure Classic in Palm Springs, Calif. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, with tip-off set for 6:30 p.m.
