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UD women upset Michigan State in opener

Photos: UD vs. Michigan State

By Joe Stueve, Contributing Writer Updated 11:55 PM Friday, November 13, 2009

DAYTON — The University of Dayton women’s basketball team could not have begun its season more perfectly.

On Friday, Nov. 13, the Flyers pulled off the upset in a 77-74 win over the No. 10 Michigan State Spartans at UD Arena.

The win marks the first time in school history that the Flyers defeated a top-10 team. Dayton coach Jim Jabir called the victory the biggest in his seven-year tenure.

“It’s huge to beat a top-10 team,” Jabir said. “It’s immeasurable. If we had lost by 30, the program would have been set back a decade. We took a chance and we believed in ourselves and we showed people we could play on a national level.”

With the Flyers clinging to a 75-71 lead, MSU forward Courtney Schiffauer hit a 3-pointer with 7.8 seconds left. Forced to foul, the Spartans sent Dayton forward Kendel Ross to the line with 6.4 left. Ross knocked down the first and then pulled down the rebound after the second missed. Ross was again sent to the line and the senior hit another free throw to push Dayton’s lead to three.

Spartans guard Brittney Thomas hoisted up the potential game-tying shot, only to have it slam against the backboard.

“The atmosphere was electric and a lot was on the line,” Jabir said, alluding to the announced crowd of 2,046. “Hopefully, we will grow a lot from this and learn how to play with those expectations.”

Junior forward Kristin Daugherty led UD with 17 points and forward Justine Raterman finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

“We truly felt we could come in and compete with them,” Daugherty said. “Being able to pull out a win is just a great feeling.”

MSU shot 38 percent from the field and its starters contributed 30 of the Spartans 74 points. Aisha Jefferson, a Chaminade Julienne grad, was held scoreless in 14 minutes. Schiffauer led MSU with 21 points.

The Flyers now turn their attention to visiting No. 19 Louisville on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. The Cardinals finished runner-up in the NCAA National Championship game last season.

Next game

Who: Dayton vs. Louisville

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: UD Arena

Radio: WHIO-AM (1290)

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nice job ladies! now if only gregory could get the mens team from msu to come on down...they coach togethered..so why not

go flyers BOTH men and women!

nice
11:44 AM, 11/14/2009

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I wish they had better video coverage, especially being a home game. I remember high school basketball games being produced by students on a local access channel. I'm sure UD students would volunteer to build their portfolio.

Kevin
10:10 AM, 11/14/2009

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TJ and Carl, you're both dbags. If that's the way you feel, then shut your mouths and stay home. Congrats to Jim and the team. I'll be there Sunday to watch them play and cheer them on. They've earned our support.

TJ Isaloser
9:12 AM, 11/14/2009

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I agree with Cap, the flyers played very well last night in beating a very good team. I am not sure that MSU was firing on all cylinders, but they showed enough to me to know that they are probably not over-rated. This is a very good win for UD. Enjoy it ladies - you certainly earned it

Sarge
8:08 AM, 11/14/2009

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Thanks girls for putting U.D. woman's basketball on the map. It goes to show you that hard work does pay off. It's high time that we show support for the U.D. woman's game.

They work just as hard as the men do. I have been a big U.D men's supporter and I plan on making it to some of the girl's games. They have earned out support.

Congrats to the woman's soccer, volleyball and cross country programs as well.

Scott Herman

Scott Herman
8:05 AM, 11/14/2009

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