Spartans get chance to silence critics against Badgers

The growing popularity of women's basketball was apparent last week in East Lansing, Mich., when records for attendance were set for No. 23 Michigan State during its 76-67 win against Michigan.

Breslin Center officials were unprepared to handle the mass of people -- in terms of open ticket booths and parking -- and many of the 7,500 fans did not reach their seats until midway through the first half.

Friday night, Breslin Center will be the battle grounds for a showdown of the conference elite when the Big Ten-leading Spartans (15-3, 7-1 Big Ten) get down and dirty with Wisconsin (14-3, 7-2).

Many have questioned the success of the Spartans thus far, but a win over No. 16 Wisconsin would definitely open some eyes to the talent on this team. The Spartans have brought new meaning to the word team, shooting 48.7 percent from the floor and averaging 21.25 assists per game.

"We have so many weapons and so many people who step forward on a given day," Michigan State coach Karen Langeland said.

The green and white will have their hands full with Wisconsin senior Keisha Anderson, who averages a Big Ten-leading 20.5 points per contest. She also leads the conference in steals (3.2 per game) and is third in assists (4.6 per game).

"This game is huge," Langeland said. "Keisha Anderson is basically their team."

Eyes on the prize . . .

It would be easy for Iowa coach Angie Lee and her Hawkeyes to fold up and write off this season. After finishing last year 27-4 overall and 15-1 in the Big Ten, the expectations were high for last year's regular-season champions. Despite returning four starters, the Hawkeyes (9-8, 4-4) are tied with Penn State for fifth place in the conference.

"I think up to this point it's been a disappointing season," Lee said. "Our injuries have been a big story. We have been inconsistent because of those injuries."

Lee, in particular, is referring to injuries to some of her top players such as Tiffany Gooden, Tangela Smith and Angela Hamblin. Hamblin has missed two games with an injured hamstring, Gooden has been playing with pain in her knees and Smith hurt her back in practice this week. Despite these and other injuries, Lee is focused on finishing strong.

"There is nobody that is a dominant team," said Lee, referring to the Big Ten field. "I truly think we are a team that can win the Big Ten title."

Home sweet home

Before Penn State freshman and Columbus native Helen Darling left with her team for Sunday's game at Ohio State, she estimated 100 tickets for the game had been bought by her family and friends.

The freshman and reigning Big Ten Player of the Week, however, showed poise rather than becoming unnerved with her friends and family on hand. She lit up Ohio State for a game-high 19 points and led Penn State to an 83-66 crunching of the Buckeyes.

Not in her house ...

If the only statistic kept track in college basketball were blocked shots, Indiana would be sitting a lot prettier than seventh place in the Big Ten.

And Quacy Barnes would be a shoe in for Big Ten Player of the Year.

Unfortunately for the Bloomington contingency, blocked shots don't hold much weight compared to points and rebounds in the statistical world of basketball.

Yet, Barnes and the Hoosiers have made scoring points in the paint difficult for opponents. Barnes averages an eye-popping 3.95 blocked shots per game, two more per game than any other Big Ten player.