You cannot blame the defense. There’s only so much you can do once Katelynn Flaherty decides she’s going to shoot it.
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The senior Michigan guard sank ten three-pointers Thursday night in Michigan’s 89-69 win over Penn State, the Big Ten opener for both teams.
Flaherty finished 10-for-17 from three, adding a two and a free throw to finish with 33 points in the win. She played every second of the game, but her legs show no signs of fatigue here, as she sinks her tenth and final long-distance shot in the waning seconds of the game.
What a performance by Katelynn Flaherty of @umichwbball:
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 29, 2017
She hit TEN 3-pointers in the B1G opener against Penn State! 😵 pic.twitter.com/RMUs5Dws4i
Notice also that Penn State is defending her 30, 35 feet out from the basket, out as far as the center court blue-and-maize M. And it took the barest of screens from Kayla Robbins to free her for that final, semi-contested look.
This kind of proficiency was no isolated event. Flaherty is now shooting 39.1 percent from deep, despite occupying the top spot in any opposing scouting report on the Wolverines, and sits tied for ninth in the country in made threes so far.
Michigan has now won eight straight games, and faces a tough test against another nationally-ranked team in Iowa on Sunday. The game is at 4 p.m. EST and can be seen on the Big Ten Network.
My #DNelliScoutingReport @umichwbball
— Debbie Antonelli (@debbieantonelli) December 29, 2017
* @kateflaherty24 #ticketsellingplayer 3 level scorer
* Thome 6'5 65%FG but don't sleep on "baller body language" Munger & Dunston who make winning plays
* NCAA snub last yr so playin some D: Def FG% 40 to 36. Scoring D 62ppg to 58ppg
With a win, Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arco will take sole possession of the program record for wins by a coach with 124. If Michigan takes it, assume it will happen in large part due to Flaherty—three points at a time.