UD women upset Michigan State in opener

Next game

Who: Dayton vs. Louisville

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: UD Arena

Radio: WHIO-AM (1290)

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.