EAST LANSING, MICH. – The Niagara women’s basketball team (0-1) lost its 2008-09 season opener to Big Ten member and last season’s WNIT runners-up, the Michigan State Spartans, 116-50 at the Breslin Center on Friday night. Jaclyn Konieczka (Parma, Ohio) led the Purple Eagles with eight points.
“We played against a very skill and physical team tonight,” head coach Kendra Faustin said. “It was a tough opponent to open the season against and I hope we can learn from this game.”
Niagara’s athleticism and energy were neutralized by Michigan State’s size and power, which made a huge difference in the game. The Spartans outrebounded the Purple Eagles 53-25 on the night which led to a 26-8 advantage in second-chance points.
Michigan State (1-0) started the game on a 10-0 run and Niagara quickly fell into foul trouble. Forward Liz Flooks (White Plains, N.Y.) had to sit for the rest of the half with three fouls halfway through the first and Niagara reached into the penalty.
The Purple Eagles’ athleticism, however, did give the Spartans’ bigs problems. Niagara’s active defense forced 10 Michigan State turnovers in the first half.
Niagara was building some momentum when guard Erika Harris (Gahanna, Ohio) drained a long jumper with 3:30 left in the first half, but Michigan State answered with three-straight 3-pointers to end the half.
Flooks started the second half with a 3-pointer, but the Spartans size and depth wore out a hard fighting Niagara squad. Michigan State began the second half with a huge run and put the game out of reach.
Niagara was paced by Jaclyn Konieczka (Parma, Ohio), Kristina Walton (Cleveland, Ohio), Jennifer McNamee (Oxford, Ohio) and Flooks who combined for 27 points and nine rebounds. The Purple Eagles did have a chance to play several players, which allowed them to gain valuable game time experience, and 12 of the 13 players scored.
The Purple Eagles were also a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line.
Michigan State’s Lauren Aitch led the game with 25 points with 23 coming in the second half.
The Purple Eagles return to Niagara University for a 1:00 pm contest against the Oakland Grizzlies as part of a doubleheader with the Niagara men’s basketball team.
