Spartan women run past Detroit

EAST LANSING - Some strong defense was enough to overcome some sloppy offensive play for the Michigan State women's basketball team.

MSU smothered the visiting Detroit Titans in a 85-48 rout, despite 24 turnovers, Wednesday night at Breslin Center.

"We had too many silly turnovers that should not happen," MSU coach Suzy Merchant said.

The Spartans have had at least 24 giveaways in all three games this season.

"It has not been pretty and we know that," Spartan guard Brittney Thomas said.

Thomas saw her first minutes of the season against the Titans, as she continues to recover from a wrist injury that required a protective cast in the game.

"I had a two weeks of built- up energy," Thomas said. "It felt great to get out there and stretch my legs."

The return of Thomas to the point guard position should tighten up much of the sloppiness.

"The team was excited to have her (Thomas) back and she will help to control the ball on the offensive end," Merchant said.

The MSU zone defense suffocated the Titans all game, forcing 24 turnovers of their own, with 12 steals and six blocks.

The Titans shot just 26 percent from the floor.

MSU jumped out to a quick 28-6 lead and led 37-13 at the break.

Aisha Jefferson scored the team's first eight points and finished with 18. Jefferson added eight rebounds, including five on the offensive end, and two steals.

"My main focus was to be more aggressive and open things up for everyone else," Jefferson said, as she continues her way back from last year's season ending knee injury.

Junior Allyssa DeHaan had a strong game in the post with 14 points, five rebounds and two blocks.

The Spartans hoisted 21 3-pointers, making just eight.

"I thought we were a little trigger happy and took shots that we can get any time too early in the possession," Merchant said.

After being poked in the eye and leaving the court early in the first half, freshman Courtney Schiffauer came back to score nine points and add four assists.

Leading the Titans was senior Zemora Davis. Davis spent most of her night at the free-throw line, going 9-for-12. She finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.

The Spartans travel to Burlington, Vt. to play in the TD Banknorth Classic starting at 3 p.m. Saturday against Dartmouth.