Hello everybody, and welcome to The Grand Rapids Press and MLive's real-time coverage of the NCAA women's tournament Sweet 16.

The starting lineups are being announced right now, and we should be underway momentarily.

Nice round of applause for MSU coach Suzy Merchant and former Grandville High School standout Allyssa DeHaan.

Today's game is between the ninth-seeded Michigan State Spartans (22-10) and fourth-seeded Iowa State Cyclones (26-8).

Thanks for the tip X, but I won't be able to.

But hopefully, this one turns into a classic as well :)

Quick score for Lykendra Johnson, and MSU is off to a good start.

A quick reminder folks -- the NCAA prevents this blog from doing too much play-by-play.

Hopefully, I'll be able to provie analysis and a first-hand perspective of today's matchup.

MSU is considered the underdog today against this very talented and well-coached Iowa State team, but I think they have a great chance as long as they can defend the perimeter.

Allyssa DeHaan breaks through in the scoring column, and MSU has a quick 5-0 lead in the early going.

The Cyclones are one of the most dangerous 3-point shooting teams in the nation. They hit more than 8 3-pointers per game at a 35.1-percent shooting clip.

But, MSU was the Big Ten's best team this season at defending the long ball. If they can continue that trend, they should be in good shape.

MSU has a definite size advantage in the front court with the 6-foot-9 Allyssa DeHaan, who already has 4 points.

To help neutralize the ISU 3-point shooting, I would expect coach Suzy Merchant to play Lykendra Johnson at the top of the 2-3 zone she has been using frequently in the tournament.

L. Johnson is MSU's most athletic guard, and her size -- she's 6-foot-1 -- should help limit the Cyclones' open looks on the perimeter.

A. DeHaan scored again, and she is off to a great start.

6 points in the early going here in Berkeley, Calif.

Timeout. MSU has a 9-4 lead with 15:39 to play in the first half.