michigan State 2008-09 women’s (1-0) stony brook seawolves (0-1) Game Information Date: Sunday, Nov. 16 Time: 1 p.m. 2008-09 Schedule Location: East Lansing, Mich. Arena: Breslin Center November TV: None Radio: WVFN 730 AM Thu. 6 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE (EXH.) W, 97-32 Rick Berkey (play-by-play) Sun. 9 GRAND VALLEY STATE (EXH.) W, 84-44 Internet: Live Stats and Audio at www.msuspartans.com Fri. 14 NIAGARA W, 116-50 Sun. 16 STONY BROOK 1 p.m. Coaches Wed. 19 DETROIT 7 p.m. Michigan State Stony Brook Sat. 22 vs. Dartmouth ^ 3 p.m. Suzy Merchant (Central Michigan ‘91) Michele Cherry (Arizona State ‘92) Sun. 23 vs. Vermont/Quinnipiac ^ 1/3 p.m. Overall Record: 225-134 (14th season) Overall Record: 8-24 (second season) Wed. 26 OLD DOMINION BTN 6:30 p.m. Record at MSU: 24-14 (second Season) Record at Stony Brook: Same Sat. 29 at Notre Dame 2 p.m.

Series History December Wed. 3 at Georgia Tech # 4:15 p.m. First meeting between the Spartans and Seawolves. Sun. 7 at St. Bonaventure 12 p.m. Sun. 14 at Xavier 2 p.m. what you need to know Thu. 18 DELAWARE STATE 7 p.m. • The Spartans broke program records for points scored (116), also a Breslin Center record, and Sun. 21 at Penn State * BTN 12 p.m. margin of victory (66) in the season opening win over Niagara. Mon. 29 INDIANA * + 7 p.m. • Michigan State had six players in double-figures for the first time since 1990. • Redshirt junior Lauren Aitch had a career-high 25 points in only 21 minutes of action. January • Freshman Courtney Schiffauer’s 21 points is the most in a MSU debut since 2002. Thu. 1 at Purdue * BTN 1 p.m. • MSU shot 64.8% (46-of-71) from the field, the highest percentage since 2002. Sun. 4 at Ohio State * BTN 2 p.m. • MSU has now won their last 10 season openers (all at Breslin Center) and are 25-12 all-time. Thu. 8 NORTHWESTERN * + 7 p.m. • The Spartans have started 2-0 the last five seasons. Thu. 15 at Michigan * + 7 p.m. • Michigan State was picked to finish third in the Big Ten by both the coaches and media. Sun. 18 PENN STATE * BTN 4 p.m. • MSU is the only Big Ten school to return all five starters. Thu. 22 at Northwestern * 8 p.m. • They return 83.1% of their scoring (third in the Big Ten), 90.7% of their rebounding (first), 77.9% Sun. 25 WISCONSIN * BTN 2 p.m. of their assists (third), 97.6% of their blocks (first) and 81.2% of their minutes played (second). Thu. 29 IOWA * + 7 p.m. • One of two schools (Purdue) to welcome back four All-Big Ten performers. • MSU looks for sixth-straight 20-win season and eighth consecutive postseason berth. February Mon. 2 at Minnesota * BTN 8 p.m. • Allyssa DeHaan was on the five-person Preseason All-Big Ten Team. Thu. 5 at Illinois * BTN 9 p.m. • DeHaan is 46 points away from becoming the 19th 1,000-point scorer in program history. Sun. 8 OHIO STATE * ESPN2 2 p.m. • DeHaan is 85 blocks shy of the Big Ten all-time record (DeHaan already holds the MSU record). Thu. 12 at Indiana * BTN 7 p.m. • Mia Johnson, Aisha Jefferson and Mandy Piechowski are this season’s captains. Thu. 19 MICHIGAN * + 7 p.m. • Michigan State will host the NCAA Tournament First and Second Rounds on March 22 & 24. Sun. 22 at Wisconsin * TBD • MSU finished last season 23-14 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten, and advanced to the WNIT finals. Thu. 26 MINNESOTA * TBD

Possible Starting Five March ppg rpg apg misc. Sun. 1 PURDUE * TBD C 41 Allyssa DeHaan (Jr., 6-9, Grandville, Mich.) 12.0 6.0 1.0 4 blocks Th.-Su. 5-8 Big Ten Tournament (Indianapolis, Ind.) TBD F 22 Aisha Jefferson (R-Jr., 6-1, Dayton, Ohio) 16.0 4.0 2.0 7-of-7 fg Sa.-Tu. 21-24 NCAA First & Second Rounds TBD F 32 Kalisha Keane (So., 6-1, Ajax, Ontario) 10.0 5.0 4.0 4-of-8 fg Sa.-Tu. 28-31 NCAA Regionals TBD G 2 Mandy Piechowski (Jr., 5-9, Shelby Twp., Mich.) 8.0 3.0 8.0 2-of-2 3fg G 15 Cetera Washington (So., 6-0, Kalamazoo, Mich.) 5.0 2.0 3.0 3-of-3 ft April Su.,Tu. 5,7 NCAA Final Four (St. Louis, Mo.) TBD key reserves All times Eastern ppg rpg apg misc. C 45 Lauren Aitch (R-Jr., 6-1, Lansing, Mich.) 25.0 8.0 1.0 10-of-11 fg All home games to be played at Breslin Center * - Denotes contest F 30 Lykendra Johnson (R-Fr., 6-1, River Forest, Ill.) 7.0 7.0 4.0 4 steals ^ - TD Banknorth Classic (Burlington, Vt.) G 33 Taylor Alton (Fr., 5-11, Highlands Ranch, Colo.) 2.0 5.0 1.0 1 # - Big Ten / ACC Challenge G 3 Porschè Poole (Fr., 5-8, Canton, Ohio) 10.0 1.0 2.0 2 steals + - Game streamed on BigTenNetwork.com F 24 Courtney Schiffauer (Fr., 6-1, Boardman, Ohio) 21.0 8.0 2.0 9-of-12 fg BTN - Big Ten Network

Five consecutive 20-win seasons ... Seven straight postseason appearances ... Top-10 in attendance the last three seasons ... Spartans numerical roster No. Name Ht. Pos. Yr. Hometown/High School/Previous School Notes 2 Mandy Piechowski 5-9 G Jr. Shelby Township, Mich./Utica Dished out a career-best 8 assists v. Niagara 3 Porschè Poole 5-8 G Fr. Canton, Ohio/McKinley 10 points in collegiate debut 15 Cetera Washington 6-0 F So. Kalamazoo, Mich./Loy Norrix Started the opener the last two seasons 20 Brittney Thomas 5-10 G So. Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook Honorable Mention All-Big Ten 21 Mia Johnson 5-9 G R-Sr. Minneapolis, Minn./Minneapolis North/Saint Louis Univ. Made 35 of her last 39 free throws (.897) 22 Aisha Jefferson 6-1 F R-Jr. Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne Went 7-of-7 from the field in first game since 06-07 24 Courtney Schiffauer 6-1 F Fr. Boardman, Ohio/Boardman Most points (21) in an MSU debut since 2002 25 Taja Wilson 6-1 F So. Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Hills Will miss 2008-09 season due to ACL injury 30 Lykendra Johnson 6-1 F R-Fr. River Forest, Ill./Trinity 7 pts., 7 reb., 4 ast., 4 blk. in debut 32 Kalisha Keane 6-1 F So. Ajax, Ontario/Westdale Broke MSU’s freshman scoring record 33 Taylor Alton 5-11 G/F Fr. Highlands Ranch, Colo./Highlands Ranch Five rebounds in 14 minutes in debut 41 Allyssa DeHaan 6-9 C Jr. Grandville, Mich./Grandville 46 points away from 1,000 45 Lauren Aitch 6-1 C R-Jr. Lansing, Mich./Waverly Career-high 25 points v. Niagara (10-of-11 fg) 54 Jasmine Holmes 5-10 G Jr. Palmdale, Calif./Palmdale Grabbed first career v. Niagara

Head Coach - Suzy Merchant Pronunciation Guide Assistant Coaches - Shane Clipfell, Rick Albro, Evelyn Thompson Lauren Aitch H Mandy Piechowski Pie-OW-ski Director of Basketball Operations - Julie Dombroski Allyssa DeHaan Duh-HAHN Porschè Poole PORE-shay Video Coordinator - Monique Govan Aisha Jefferson eye-EE-sha Courtney Schiffauer SHIFF-hour Mia Johnson MY-uh Cetera Washington suh-tear-uh

Record-Breaking Start Preseason Polls In the season-opening 116-50 win over Niagara on Friday night, Michigan State broke program records in points scored (116) and margin of victory (66). The previous school records were 108 points scored against AP ESPN/USA Today Georgetown in the 1990 season opener on Nov. 24, and 61 points margin of victory set on two occasions, most 1. Connecticut 1. Connecticut recently on Feb. 3, 2005 against Northwestern, 101-40 - the last time a Spartan team topped the 100-point 2. Stanford 2. Stanford mark. In the 35-year history of the program entering this season, MSU had topped the 100-point mark on nine 3. Maryland 3. Rutgers occasions. In addition, the Breslin Center scoring record was broken, as Northwestern had scored 109 points in 4. Oklahoma 4. North Carolina 5. Rutgers 5. Maryland a double-overtime win over the Spartans on March 5, 1993. 6. North Carolina 6. Tennessee 7. Tennessee 7. Oklahoma In Season Openers 8. Duke 8. Duke With its win on Friday night, Michigan State has now won its last 10 season openers – all at the Breslin Center. 9. California 9. California In those 10 games, MSU has averaged a 26.0 margin of victory. All-time, Spartans are 25-12 in season openers 10. Louisville 10. Texas A&M and are 30-7 in their home opener. Head coach Suzy Merchant has won her last eight season openers dating 11. Texas A&M 11. Louisville back to her time at Eastern Michigan. 12. Vanderbilt 12. Vanderbilt 13. Texas 13. Texas About Stony Brook 14. Oklahoma State 14. Notre Dame Stony Brook lost its opener at home Friday night, 59-45 to Quinnipiac. Junior Kairsten Nunn led the Seawolves 15. Virginia 15. Virginia with 10 points. Classmate Sarah Kazadi had nine points and a team-best seven rebounds. Stony Brook was 16. Notre Dame 15. Oklahoma State picked to finish ninth in the America East Conference after finishing last season 8-23. 17. Arizona State 17. Baylor 18. Ohio State 18. Arizona State 19. Baylor 19. Ohio State Against the Seawolves 20. Auburn 20. Old Dominion Michigan State and Stony Brook will face each other for the first time. 21. Florida State 21. Auburn 22. Xavier 22. LSU Preseason Predictions 23. Purdue 23. Pittsburgh The Spartans were picked to finish third in the Big Ten this season by both the coaches and media in the 24. LSU 24. Florida State preseason polls, released at Big Ten Basketball Media Day. MSU also received votes in both the ESPN/USA 25. Old Dominion 25. Georgia Today Coaches and AP polls. ARV: Pittsburgh, ARV: Xavier, Purdue, Michigan State, Kansas St., Iowa St., Preseason Laurels for DeHaan Iowa State, Marist, Marist, Utah, Syracuse, Junior center Allyssa DeHaan was one of five student-athletes selected to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team at this Marquette ... Geo. Wash., Marquette, season’s media day, joining Preseason Player of the Year of Ohio State, Jenna Smith of Illinois, Michigan State ... Emily Fox of Minnesota and Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton of Purdue. In the National Polls Pre rv-rv DeHaan was also named to two national watch lists. She was one of 30 collegiate student-athletes to be named 11/17 a candidate for the prestigious Women’s Wooden Award All-American Team and Player of the Year trophy. In addition, DeHaan was one of 25 student-athletes to be named to the 2008-09 preseason “Wade Watch” list. The list, released by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), highlights the preseason candidates for the State Farm Wade Trophy Division I Player of the Year. DeHaan and Lavender were the only two Big Ten student-athletes recognized.

Only Big Ten school to return all five starters ... Picked third in preseason Big Ten poll by both coaches and media ... 2008-09 Captains DeHaan Countdown Head Coach Suzy Merchant named redshirt senior Mia Johnson, redshirt junior Aisha Jefferson and junior Mandy Piechowski as the team’s captains for the 2008-09 season. Johnson and Jefferson remain captains for Career Points Career Blocks the second-straight season.

954 299 DeHaan Approaching Milestones Needs 46 points Needs 85 blocks Junior Allyssa DeHaan has the opportunity to set new milestones this season. She is 46 points away from to become MSU’s to become the becoming the program’s 19th 1,000-point scorer, and also has a chance to become just the fifth MSU student- 19th 1,000-point Big Ten all-time athlete with 1,000 points and 700 rebounds. Already the school’s all-time block leader, DeHaan is only 85 blocks scorer leader shy of the Big Ten career mark.

Big Ten Preseason Polls Johnson’s Own Milestone DeHaan is not the only Spartan chasing 1,000 career points. Redshirt senior Mia Johnson has totaled 835 Coaches Media points over her two seasons with the Spartans and freshman campaign at Saint Louis University. 1. Purdue 1. Ohio State 2. Ohio State 2. Purdue Jefferson Returns 3. Michigan State 3. Michigan State Redshirt junior Aisha Jefferson returned to the Breslin Center hardwood at the Green and White game on Sunday. Jefferson tore her ACL in the second preseason game and missed all of last season. As a sophomore, 4. Iowa 4. Minnesota she was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, having averaged 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per outing. 5. Minnesota 5. Iowa 6. Michigan 6. Illinois Spartans Welcome Four New Additions 7. Illinois 7. Indiana Four student-athletes will join the already deep MSU roster for the 2008-08 season. Lykendra Johnson, who 8. Indiana 8. Michigan redshirted last season and was a top-30 recruit coming out of high school, will be joined in the class by true freshmen Taylor Alton, Porschè Poole and Courtney Schiffauer. Alton was an all-state selection after leading her 9. Penn State 9. Penn State team to the Colorado Class 5A title. Poole was also an all-state selection and left as the school’s all-time leading 10. Wisconsin 10. Wisconsin scorer. Meanwhile, Schiffauer was the OHSBCA Division I Player of the Year, after averaging over 20 points and 11. Northwestern 11. Northwestern 10 rebounds per game.

Preseason All-Big Ten 1,000 (Coaches and Media) When the Spartans take the floor against Notre Dame on Nov. 29, the game will mark the 1,000 game in the Jenna Smith, Jr., F, Illinois program’s history. Beginning its 36 season, Michigan State holds an all-time record of 586-407 (.589). Allyssa DeHaan, Jr., C, Michigan State Breslin Celebrates No. 20 Emily Fox, Sr., G, Minnesota The 2008-09 basketball season will be the Spartans’ 20th inside the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. MSU Jantel Lavender, So., C, Ohio State has an all-time record of 188-72 (.723) at Breslin and have been even more dominant of late in its cozy confines, Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton, Sr., F, Purdue posting a mark of 53-9 since 2003.

Preseason Player of the Year Wilson Out for the Season (Coaches and Media) Sophomore Taja Wilson will miss the 2008-09 season after tearing the ACL in her right knee during an offseason practice. No date has been set for surgery. Typically recovery time is 4-6 months. Jantel Lavender, So., C, Ohio State

The Spartans are the only Big Ten School to return all five starters from last season. In addition to the experience, MSU welcome back a high percentage of their productivity from last season’s 23-win team. Michigan State and Indiana are the only two Big Ten schools to return its top four scorers, while the Spartans are the lone team to have their top-seven rebounders back in uniform.

Below is a breakdown of the percentage returning for each major statistical category: Points Rebounds Assists Blocks Minutes Indiana - 86.2 Michigan State - 90.7 Indiana - 89.2 Michigan State - 97.6 Indiana - 82.6 Purdue - 84.1 Indiana - 89.2 Purdue - 80.9 Purdue - 95.2 Michigan State - 81.2 Michigan State - 83.1 Purdue - 80.9 Michigan State - 77.9 Michigan - 94.4 Purdue - 80.3 Penn State - 76.0 Penn State - 77.0 Penn State - 77.0 Northwestern - 86.4 Penn State - 78.8 Northwestern - 74.7 Michigan - 68.8 Michigan - 68.8 Indiana - 85.9 Northwestern - 70.9 Minnesota - 70.2 Northwestern - 65.6 Northwestern - 65.6 Penn State - 78.9 Minnesota - 70.5 Michigan - 69.6 Ohio State - 64.5 Ohio State - 64.5 Illinois - 78.2 Ohio State - 68.5 Ohio State - 66.7 Minnesota - 63.1 Minnesota - 63.1 Iowa - 67.0 Michigan - 61.9 Iowa - 61.5 Illinois - 60.5 Illinois - 51.4 Ohio State - 66.0 Wisconsin - 52.6 Illinois - 52.7 Wisconsin - 45.7 Wisconsin - 45.7 Minnesota - 59.6 Iowa - 52.0 Wisconsin - 42.1 Iowa - 44.6 Iowa - 44.6 Wisconsin - 48.3 Illinois - 49.5

***Aisha Jefferson also returns for MSU after redshirting the 2007-08 season. Jefferson averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 blocks and 26.7 minutes per game, while starting 28 contests. (Purdue’s Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton and Jodi Howell also redshirted last season, having combined to average 21.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.9 blocks and 53.4 minutes per game in 2006-07)

Beat Saginaw Valley State (97-32) and Grand Valley State (84-44) in its two exhibition games ... Five players averaged 11+ points ... the last time... around the big ten Big Ten Overall MSU played an overtime game... W-L PCT W-L PCT vs. Michigan (3/30/08), W, 45-40 Today’s Schedule 1. Illinois 0-0 .000 1-0 1.000 MSU lost an overtime game... November 16 Indiana 0-0 .000 1-0 1.000 vs. Ohio State (BTT) (2/28/02), L, 82-89 Eastern Illinois at ILLINOIS Noon Ohio State 0-0 .000 1-0 1.000 Army at OHIO STATE 1 p.m. MSU scored 100 points in a game... Michigan State 0-0 .000 1-0 1.000 INDIANA vs. Xavier 2 p.m. vs. Niagara (11/14/08), W, 116-50 5. Iowa 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 Texas State at IOWA 2 p.m. MSU allowed 100 points in a game... Michigan 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 MINNESOTA at Santa Clara 2 p.m. vs. Northwestern (3/5/93), L, 103-109 (2 OT) Penn State 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 South Carolina at PENN STATE 2 p.m. Purdue 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 IUPUI at PURDUE 2 p.m. MSU scored 90 points in a game... Wisconsin 0-0 .000 0-0 .000 vs. Niagara (11/14/08), W, 116-50 10. Minnesota 0-0 .000 0-1 .000 MSU allowed 90 points in a game... Northwestern 0-0 .000 0-1 .000 at Maryland (1/6/07), L, 57-97 MSU lost at the Breslin Center... Exhibition Wrap-up vs. Marquette (4/5/08), L, 66-81 MSU controlled two GLIAC schools during the exhibition portion of its schedule. On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Spartans defeated Saginaw Valley State, 97-32, then came back to beat Grand Valley MSU won by 20 or more points... State, 84-44, on Sunday, Nov. 9. The four newcomers - redshirt freshman Lykendra Johnson, and vs. Niagara (11/14/08), W, 116-50 true freshmen Taylor Alton, Porsche Poole and Courtney Schiffauer - led the way against SVSU, MSU lost by 20 or more points... combining for 50 points, 23 rebounds and eight steals. Against GVSU, redshirt junior Aisha Jefferson at LSU (11/15/07), L, 41-64 led the way with 16 points, while classmate Lauren Aitch and sophomore Cetera Washington chipped MSU won by 30 or more points... in 15 apiece. vs. Niagara (11/14/08), W, 116-50 Michigan State had great balance during the exhibition schedule. Five Spartans averaged double- MSU lost by 30 or more points... figure points and eight had over 6.5 per game. In addition, eight Spartans averaged over 4.5 at Maryland (1/6/07), L, 57-97 rebounds. Johnson led the way with 15.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, while Jefferson Beat a ranked team... averaged 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. MSU shot 56.6% (69-of-122), while holding their two vs. No. 17/18 Ohio State (12/30/07), W, 60-53 opponents to 24.3% (28-of -115). The Spartans were also 41.7% (5-of-12) from 3-point range and 74.5% (38-of-51) from the foul line. MSU outrebounded SVSU and GVSU by a 96-57 margin. An MSU player had a triple-double... Defensively, they forced 57 turnovers, blocked 17 shots and posted 29 steals. Kristin Haynie, vs. Vanderbilt (3/27/05), 13p, 10r, 10a Five MSU players scored 10 or more points... 2007-08 Review vs. Niagara (11/14/08), W, 116-50 [Aitch 25, Schiffauer The 2007-08 season began a new era in Michigan State women’s basketball, as the program 21, Jefferson 16, DeHaan 12, Keane 10, Poole 10] welcomed Suzy Merchant as its fifth head coach in school history. One of the youngest teams in the country, the Spartans remained one of the nation’s top programs, winning 23 games, advancing to Two MSU players had 10 or more rebounds... the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament and playing their way into the WNIT finals. at Wisconsin (1/2/08), L, 84-71 [DeHaan 13, Keane 10] An MSU player had 25 or more points... Allyssa DeHaan was a First Team All-Big Ten selection, after leading the team in points (14.4) and Lauren Aitch, vs, Niagara (11/14/08), W, 116-50 rebounds (7.3), and setting a new Big Ten and MSU single-season block record with 150. Kalisha An MSU player had 30 or more points... Keane and Brittney Thomas were All-Big Ten Freshman team and honorable mention All-Big Ten choices. Keane was second on the team in points (12.4) and rebounds (5.9), and set a new MSU Victoria Lucas-Perry, vs. Indiana State (11/24/06), 30 freshman scoring record with 460 points. Thomas led the team in assists (3.6) and minutes played An MSU player had 40 points... (35.1), while also placing third in points (7.4) and rebounds (5.5). Keane (68) and Thomas (65) were Maxann Reese, vs. Iowa (1/29/99), 41 the top two in steals. An MSU player had 15 rebounds... Allyssa DeHaan, at Indiana (2/14/08), 15 Head Coach Suzy Merchant Head Coach Suzy Merchant enters her second season at the helm of the Spartan women’s An MSU player had 20 rebounds... basketball program. Merchant went 23-14 in her first season in green and white, marking the most Kristen Rasmussen, vs. Penn State (12/30/97), 20 wins by an MSU head coach in their first season. For her career, she enters the season with a record An MSU player had 10 assists... of 224-134 (.626) in 13 years as a head coach at Saginaw Valley State, Eastern Michigan and MSU. Kristin Haynie, vs. Vanderbilt (3/27/05), 10 Merchant’s staff remained the same as last year, as Shane Clipfell, Evelyn Thompson and Rick Albro An MSU player had 10 or more free throws made... return as assistant coaches. Former Spartan Julie (Pagel) Dombroski is in her second season as Allyssa DeHaan, at Wisconsin (1/2/08), 11 Director of Basketball Operations. An MSU player had 10 or more field goals made... Lauren Aitch, vs, Niagara (11/14/08), W, 116-50 An MSU player had 5 or more 3-point FG made... Courtney Davidson, at Old Dominion (12/2/07), 5 An MSU player had five or more steals... Brittney Thomas, vs. Penn State (1/10/08), 5

Receiving votes in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today preseason polls ... DeHaan named to Preseason All-Big Ten team ... Suzy Merchant Radio Show The Suzy Merchant Radio Show returns for the 2008-09 season. The weekly call-in show will Media Services be held Wednesdays during the regular season from 12-1 p.m. at Reno’s East in East Lansing. Credentials The show, hosted by Michigan State women’s basketball radio play-by-play announcer Rick Requests for press, radio, television and photographers’ credentials Berkey, is produced by the Spartan Radio Network and can be heard live on WVFN (730 AM). must be made through Jim Donatelli, assistant athletic communications director. All requests can be emailed ([email protected]) or The dates for this season include Nov. 26, Dec. 4 (Thursday), Dec. 10, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, Jan. mailed (Z-22 Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI 48824). 14, Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25. Credentials will be held at the media will call table at the Breslin Center. On game day, all media members should enter the Breslin Center Fans are encouraged to join Coach Merchant at Reno’s East on Abbott Road in East Lansing through the ticket office lobby. for the show. There will be free giveaways to fans in attendance. If you can not attend, the call- in number for the show is 517-372-2148. Interviews All interviews must be arranged through the Michigan State Athletic Michigan State to Host NCAA First and Second Rounds Communications Office at least 24 hours in advance. Please email The MSU Athletics Department will play host to the 2009 NCAA Tournament First and ([email protected]) or call (office: 517-355-2271/cell: 517-243- 0945) Jim Donatelli with any requests for coaches or student-athletes. Second Rounds at the Breslin Center on March 22 and 24. For ticket information, visit www. msuspartans.com. MSU hosted for the first time in 2007. Post-game Interviews Post-game interviews will take place in the press room. Approximately Spartans Sign Two for 2009-10 Season 10 minutes following the completion of the game, the visiting coach Michigan State head women’s basketball coach Suzy Merchant announced the signing of will address the media, followed by Michigan State head coach Suzy Kelsey Smith and Jasmine Thomas to National Letters of Intent. Smith (St. Charles, Ill./St. Merchant and requested players. Charles North), and Thomas (Flint, Mich./ Flint Hamady) will be eligible to join the Spartans for the 2009-10 season. Press Conference A weekly press conference with head coach Suzy Merchant and men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo will be held during the season on Mondays Smith, a 6-5 center, is one of the top high school post players in the country. She is currently at approximately 11:45 a.m. The press conference will be held in the ranked among the nation’s top 100 senior prospects by three national recruiting outlets – 54th conference rooms on the mezzanine level of the Breslin Center. Media by Blue Star Report, 67th by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report and 89th by Hoopgurlz. should park in the parking lot located on the southwest side of the Among senior centers, Collegiate Girls Basketball Report also has her as the No. 20 in the building. nation, while Hoopgurlz ranks her at No. 22. A starter at St. Charles North High School for head coach Katie Sauber since her freshman season, Smith led the North Stars to a 23-6 Game Day Services record, and their first regional and sectional titles. She averaged 16.2 points, 8.2 rebounds Game notes, statistics and game programs will be distributed from the press room. Halftime and final statistics, along with a play-by-play will and 2.4 blocks a game as a junior, while shooting 62.4 percent from the field. Her play earned be distributed along press row and from the press room. Up-to-date her honorable mention All-America honors by Street & Smith’s, and all-state accolades from in-game statistics will be available to all working media on press row. the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA), the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago The Breslin Center press work room is located on the west side of the Tribune. In addition, she was the 2008 Republican Girls Basketball Player of the Year. As a building on the arena level. sophomore, Smith posted 14.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, again earning honorable mention All-America honors from Street & Smith’s and IBCA all-state kudos. Smith Radio and Television played AAU basketball for Derril Kipp’s Illinois Hustle and participated in the Nike Regional Television talent will be located on the west side of the court at Skills Academy during the last two summers. A two-sport star, she also played volleyball at St. midcourt, across from the team benches. The radio locations are on the scorers table, next to the team’s respective benches. Production Charles North. Smith also excels off the court, having the second best grade point average in trucks can enter the facility through the tunnel at the south end of the her class of 531 and has been accepted into the MSU Honors College. building after contacting Breslin Center Operations Manager Kasey Guss. Thomas is a standout multi-sport athlete at Flint Hamady High School. A 5-8 guard for head coach Keith Smith, she led the team in assists and steals as a junior, averaging 9.7 points, 5.8 Photographers assists, 5.5 steals and 4.1 rebounds, while shooting 47 percent from the field and 80 percent Credentialed photographers can work from either baseline while from the line. Thomas earned Genesee Area Conference (GAC) honorable mention observing the limitation markings at the end of the floor. For all games, honors as a junior, in addition to being the team’s most improved player as a sophomore, floor spaces will be assigned by the athletic communications office. helping Flint Hamady to the Class C State finals. An honor roll student and recipient of Internet Access numerous academic awards, Thomas achieved the best grade point average on her team the Wireless internet is available for the working media in the Breslin last two years. Thomas also lettered in volleyball and track during her first three high school Center media work room and on press row. Select Wireless Guest years. She earned all-state recognition in track each year, including winning the state high Connection and click yes to agreement usage. If you need to FTP files, jump championship as a junior with a new Division 3 record of 5-6 3/10. select Wireless Secure Connection and enter the following information: NetID: pressbox; Password: Stadium2008 (note: case sensitive). Ethernet connections are also available at selected seats in the media room.

Live Stats Live stats for all Michigan State men’s and women’s home games are available on your laptops at http://livestats.ath.msu.edu/basketball

Weekly Release Email To receive the weekly basketball release via e-mail, please send an e-mail message to women’s basketball contact Jim Donatelli at [email protected]. The release is also posted on the athletics department official web site (www.msuspartans.com) in text and PDF format.

Kelsey Smith and Jasmine Thomas signed National Letters of Intent to join the 2009-10 Spartans ... Breslin Center celebrates 20 years ... speciality statistics quick facts Superlatives Brittney Thomas - 4 (4-0) University Information Biggest MSU lead 68, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Aisha Jefferson - 7 (6-1) Name Michigan State University Biggest MSU deficit Mandy Piechowski - 1 (0-1) Location East Lansing, Michigan 48824 Biggest MSU deficit in a win Rebounding Founded 1855 Biggest MSU lead in a loss Lauren Aitch 1 (1-0) 5 (3-2) Enrollment 46,045 Biggest MSU halftime lead 35, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Courtney Schiffauer 1 (1-0) 1 (1-0) Nickname Spartans Biggest MSU halftime deficit Allyssa DeHaan - 33 (21-12) Colors Green and White Biggest MSU halftime deficit in a win Kalisha Keane - 10 (5-5) Conference Big Ten Brittney Thomas - 8 (8-0) Division NCAA Division I Best first half FG Pct 58.3%, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Aisha Jefferson - 15 (11-4) President Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon Worst first half FG Pct Mia Johnson - 3 (1-2) Athletics Director Mark Hollis Best second-half FG Pct 71.4%, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Senior Women’s Administrator Shelley Appelbaum Cetera Washington - 2 (2-0) Faculty Representative Michael Kasavana Worst second-half FG Pct Assists Home Arena Jack Breslin Student Events Center (14,759) Mandy Piechowski 1 (1-0) 6 (3-3) Ticket Office Phone 517.355.1610 or 800.GO.STATE Most first half points 57, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Brittney Thomas - 25 (15-10) Breslin Center Press Row 517-353-1626 Fewest first half points Mia Johnson - 9 (8-1) Most second half points 59, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Aisha Jefferson - 8 (4-4) Coaching Staff Fewest second half points Kalisha Keane - 4 (2-2) Head Coach Suzy Merchant Allyssa DeHaan - 4 (3-1) Most 1st half points by opp. Central Michigan, 1991; 2nd season Cetera Washington - 2 (2-0) Overall Record (years) 225-134 (13) Fewest 1st half points by opp. 22, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Lauren Aitch - 2 (2-0) School Record (years) 24-14 (1) Most 2nd half points by opp. Blocks Assistant Coach Shane Clipfell Fewest 2nd half points by opp. 28, vs. Niagara, 11/14 Eastern Michigan, 2006; 2nd season Allyssa DeHaan 1 (1-0) 66 (46-20) Assistant Coach Rick Albro Aisha Jefferson - 11 (6-5) Season Comparison Western Michigan, 1971; 2nd season Lauren Aitch - 2 (1-1) Assistant Coach Evelyn Thompson MSU Opponents Kalisha Keane - 1 (0-1) Auburn, 1990; 2nd season Points in the paint 76 22 Mia Johnson - 1 (0-1) Director of Basketball Operations Julie Dombroski Points off turnovers 40 17 Video Coordinator Monique Govan Second chance points 26 8 Free Throws in Final 2 Minutes Basketball Secretary Margaret Selasky Fast break points 10 4 Office Phone 517-353-8613 Lykendra Johnson 2-2 (1.000) Lauren Aitch 1-1 (1.000) Office E-mail [email protected] Bench Output Basketball Office Fax 517-432-4598 Porsche Poole 1-1 (1.000) Basketball Office Mailing Address 110 Berkowitz MSU Opponents Kalisha Keane - 1 Birch Road Minutes 109 99 Mia Johnson - East Lansing, MI 48824 Points 65 21 Brittney Thomas - Rebounds 30 11 Allyssa DeHaan - Team Information Assists 10 1 Mandy Piechowski - 2007-08 Overall Record 23-14 Blocks 2 0 Jasmine Holmes - 2007-08 Big Ten Record (Finish) 10-8 (t-5th) Steals 9 7 Cetera Washington - 2007-08 Postseason WNIT Finalist FG% 65.8 % (25-38) 25.8% (8-31) Letterwinners Returning* 9 (3 G; 4 F; 2 C) Total 4-4 (1.000) 3FG% 28.6% (2-7) 11.1% (1-9) Letterwinners Lost 3 (3 G) * includes medical redshirt who lettered in 2006-07 FT% 76.5 (13-17) 100% (4-4) Double Figures (MSU Record) Starters Returning/Lost 5/0 Season Career Newcomers 4 (2 G; 2 F) Starting Lineups Points MSU record by starting lineup Allyssa DeHaan 1 (1-0) 51 (37-14) Spartan Program History Piechowski, Washington, 1-0 Aisha Jefferson 1 (1-0) 28 (21-7) First Year 1972-73 Jefferson, Keane, DeHaan Kalisha Keane 1 (1-0) 25 (16-9) All-Time Record 587-407 (.591) Lauren Aitch 1 (1-0) 15 (12-3) NCAA Tournament Appearances 8 Games started (MSU record) (1991, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) Courtney Schiffauer 1 (1-0) 1 (1-0) NCAA Final Four Appearances 1 (2005) Season Career Porsche Poole 1 (1-0) 1 (1-0) All-Time NCAA Tournament Record 11-8 Allyssa DeHaan 1 (1-0) 65 (43-22) Mia Johnson - 18 (14-4) WNIT Appearances 4 (1999, 2000, 2002, 2008) Aisha Jefferson 1 (1-0) 45 (32-13) Brittney Thomas - 11 (7-4) WNIT Record 11-4 Kalisha Keane 1 (1-0) 38 (24-14) Mandy Piechowksi - 3 (2-1) Cetera Washington 1 (1-0) 18 (11-7) Cetera Washington - 1 (1-0) Athletic Communications Mandy Piechowski 1 (1-0) 17 (12-5) Rebounds Assistant Director/Women’s Basketball Contact Jim Donatelli Mia Johnson - 44 (32-12) Allyssa DeHaan - 16 (9-7) Office Phone 517-355-2271 Brittney Thomas - 37 (23-14) Aisha Jefferson - 7 (6-1) Cell 517-243-0945 Lauren Aitch - 4 (2-2) Kalisha Keane - 5 (3-2) Fax 517-353-9636 Lauren Aitch - 1 (0-1) Email [email protected] Led MSU in (MSU Record) Web Site www.msuspartans.com Brittney Thomas - 1 (1-0) Mailing Address Z-22 Breslin Center Season Career Double-Doubles East Lansing, MI 48824-1003 Scoring Allyssa DeHaan - 13 (8-5) Intern/Secondary WBB Contact Sarah Dull Lauren Aitch 1 (1-0) 2 (1-1) Kalisha Keane - 5 (3-2) Email [email protected] Allyssa DeHaan - 26 (23-4) Aisha Jefferson - 4 (4-0) Kalisha Keane - 10 (4-6) Mia Johnson - 6 (6-0)

Suzy Merchant has won her last seven season openers ... MSU has won its last nine season openers, all at home ... MSU record when... Overall 1-0 MSU has more blocks 1-0 3-point field goals made... Turnover margin... Home 1-0 Opponent has more blocks 0-0 0-5 1-0 + 16-20 0-0 Away 0-0 Blocks are equal 0-0 5-10 0-0 + 11-15 0-0 Neutral 0-0 11-15 0-0 + 6-10 1-0 In Overtime 0-0 MSU has more turnovers 0-0 16+ 0-0 + 1-5 0-0 Opponent has more turnovers 1-0 even 0-0 Big Ten 0-0 Turnovers are equal 0-0 3-point field goals attempted... - 1-5 0-0 Big Ten home 0-0 0-5 0-0 - 6-10 0-0 Big Ten away 0-0 MSU attempts more field goals 1-0 5-10 0-0 - 11-15 0-0 Opponent attempts more FGs 0-0 11-15 1-0 - 16-20 0-0 vs. ranked opponent 0-0 attempts are even 0-0 16+ 0-0 Field goal percentage... last five 1-0 MSU has a higher FG% 1-0 Free throws made... less than 25 0-0 last 10 1-0 Opponent has a higher FG% 0-0 0-5 0-0 26-30 0-0 FG% is equal 0-0 5-10 0-0 31-35 0-0 on Monday 0-0 11-15 0-0 on Tuesday 0-0 MSU has a higher FT% 0-0 36-40 0-0 16-20 1-0 41-45 0-0 on Wednesday 0-0 Opponent has a higher FT% 1-0 20-25 0-0 on Thursday 0-0 FT% is equal 0-0 46-50 0-0 26-30 0-0 51-55 0-0 on Friday 1-0 31+ 0-0 on Saturday 0-0 MSU makes more free throws 1-0 55-60 0-0 on Sunday 0-0 Opponent makes more FTs 0-0 60-65 1-0 Free throws attempted... 66+ 0-0 Free throws made are even 0-0 0-5 0-0 November 1-0 MSU attempts more free throws 1-0 5-10 0-0 Opponent field goal percentage... December 0-0 11-15 0-0 January 0-0 Opponent attempts more FTs 0-0 less than 25 0-0 Free throw attempts are even 0-0 16-20 0-0 26-30 1-0 February 0-0 20-25 0-0 March 0-0 31-35 0-0 MSU has a higher 3FG% 1-0 26-30 1-0 36-40 0-0 during the day 0-0 Opponent has a higher 3FG% 0-0 31+ 0-0 41-45 0-0 at night 1-0 3FG% is equal 0-0 46-50 0-0 Rebound total... 51-55 0-0 One scores in double-digits 0-0 MSU makes more 3-pt. FG 1-0 36-40 0-0 55-60 0-0 Two scores in double-digits 0-0 Opponent makes more 3FGs 0-0 41-45 0-0 60+ 0-0 Three scores in double-digits 0-0 3-pt. field goal made are even 0-0 46-50 0-0 Four scores in double-digits 0-0 51-55 1-0 3-point field goal percentage... Five scores in double-digits 0-0 MSU attempts more 3-pt. FG 0-0 56+ 0-0 less than 25 0-0 Six scores in double-digits 1-0 Opponent attempts more 3FGs 1-0 26-30 0-0 3-pt. field goal attempts are even 0-0 Rebounding margin... 31-35 0-0 No one with double-digit rebounds 1-0 + 21+ 1-0 In games decided by... 36-40 0-0 One with double-digit rebounds 0-0 + 16-20 0-0 41-45 1-0 Two with double-digit rebounds 0-0 1-5 0-0 + 11-15 0-0 6-10 0-0 46-50 0-0 + 6-10 0-0 51+ 0-0 Scoring first 1-0 11-15 0-0 + 1-5 0-0 Opponent scores first 0-0 16-20 0-0 even 0-0 Opponent 3-point field goal percentage... 21+ 1-0 - 1-5 0-0 less than 25 1-0 Leading at halftime 1-0 - 6-10 0-0 26-30 0-0 Trailing at halftime 0-0 Points scored... - 11-15 0-0 50-59 0-0 31-35 0-0 Tied at halftime 0-0 - 16-20 0-0 36-40 0-0 60-69 0-0 - 21+ Leading with 5 minutes left 1-0 70-79 0-0 41-45 0-0 Trailing with 5 minutes left 0-0 80-89 0-0 46-50 0-0 total... 51+ 0-0 Tied with 5 minutes left 0-0 90-99 0-0 0-10 0-0 100+ 1-0 11-15 0-0 MSU had more points in the paint 1-0 Free throw percentage... 16-20 0-0 less than 50 0-0 Opponent has more points in the paint 0-0 Points allowed... 21-25 0-0 Points in the paint are even 0-0 40-49 0-0 51-55 0-0 26-30 1-0 55-60 0-0 50-59 1-0 31+ 0-0 MSU has more points off turnovers 1-0 60-69 0-0 60-65 1-0 66-70 0-0 Opponent has more points off turnovers 0-0 70-79 0-0 Block total... Points off turnovers are even 0-0 80-89 0-0 71-75 0-0 0-5 0-0 76-80 0-0 90-99 0-0 6-10 1-0 MSU has more second chance points 1-0 81-85 0-0 100+ 0-0 11-15 0-0 Opponent has more 2nd chance points 0-0 86-90 0-0 15+ 0-0 Second chance points are even 0-0 Field goals made... 91+ 0-0 21-25 0-0 Turnover total... MSU has more fastbreak points 1-0 Opponent free throw percentage... 26-30 0-0 0-5 0-0 Opponent has more fastbreak points 0-0 less than 50 0-0 31-35 0-0 5-10 0-0 Fastbreak points are even 0-0 51-55 0-0 36-40 0-0 11-15 0-0 41-45 0-0 55-60 0-0 MSU has more bench points 1-0 16-20 0-0 60-65 0-0 46+ 1-0 20-25 1-0 Opponent has more bench points 0-0 66-70 0-0 26+ 0-0 Bench points are even 0-0 Field goals attempted... 71-75 0-0 76-80 0-0 MSU has more rebounds 1-0 46-50 0-0 Turnovers forced... 51-55 0-0 5-10 0-0 81-85 0-0 Opponent has more rebounds 0-0 86-90 0-0 Rebounds are equal 0-0 56-60 0-0 11-15 0-0 61-65 0-0 16-20 0-0 91+ 0-0 MSU has more assists 1-0 66-70 0-0 20-25 0-0 Opponent has more assists 0-0 70+ 1-0 26-30 1-0 Assists are equal 0-0 31+ 0-0

Spartans will play at 13 teams who appeared in the 2008 postseason ... At least 15 games will be broadcast nationally ... Michigan State season statistics

MSU started four players 6-0 or taller in the two exhibition games ... DeHaan on preseason Wooden Award and Wade Trophy watch lists ... Michigan State tv/radio roster

2 • Mandy Piechowski 3 • Porschè Poole 15 • Cetera Washington 20 • Brittney Thomas 21 • Mia Johnson Jr. • G • 5-9 Fr. • G • 5-8 So. • F • 6-0 So. • G • 5-10 R-Sr. • G • 5-9 Shelby Township, Mich. Canton, Ohio Kalamazoo, Mich. Bolingbrook, Ill. Minneapolis, Minn. Utica McKinley Loy Norrix Bolingbrook Saint Louis University

22 • Aisha Jefferson 24 • Courtney Schiffauer 25 • Taja Wilson 30 • Lykendra Johnson 32 • Kalisha Keane R-Jr. • F • 6-1 Fr. • F • 6-1 So. • F • So. R-Fr. • F • 6-1 So. • F • 6-1 Dayton, Ohio Boardman, Ohio Pittsburgh, Pa. River Forest, Ill. Ajax, Ontario Chaminade-Julienne Boardman Penn Hills Trinity Westdale

33 •Taylor Alton 41 • Allyssa DeHaan 45 • Lauren Aitch 54 • Jasmine Holmes Fr. • G/F • 5-11 Jr. • C • 6-9 R-Jr. • C • 6-1 Jr. • G • 5-10 Highlands Ranch, Colo. Grandville, Mich. Lansing, Mich. Palmdale, Calif. Highlands Ranch Grandville Waverly Palmdale

Suzy Merchant Shane Clipfell Evelyn Thompson Rick Albro Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Second Season Second Season Second Season Second Season

Jefferson, Johnson and Piechowski named 2008-09 captains ...