Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
Basketball Traveler's Foreign Team (Exh.)
Women's Basketball Defeats RTU Klondaika, 88-51
11/11/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State jumped out to an early 15-2 lead and never looked back in defeating RTU Klondaika of Latvia, 88-51 on Sunday afternoon at the Breslin Center. The game marked the final tune up before MSU's regular-season opener Nov. 16 against Mid-American Conference foe Buffalo.
Once again, balanced scoring was a major key in the win. Four Spartans scored in double figures, led by sophomore forward Julie Pagel with 19 points. Junior guard Vnemina Reese finished with 16 points, while freshman center Kelli Roehrig and senior forward Abby Salscheider each pumped in 12.
The Spartan defense turned in a solid performance, holding RTU Klondaika to just 32.3 percent (20-of-62) shooting from the field, including a 7-for-30 (.233) effort in the first half. RTU Klondaika turned the ball over 21 times as MSU recorded 13 steals, led by Reese with four.
"I thought we did a good job today," said second-year head coach Joanne P. McCallie. "It was a great opportunity to see a different team that played a match-up zone. It was a great second game for our squad to get ready for the season opener.
"I thought our defense did a nice job today. Anytime you hold a team to 51 points, you are doing a good job defensively."
The Spartans held a 46-to-30 edge on the glass. Pagel led MSU with nine rebounds, while Roehrig and junior forward Syreeta Bromfield each hauled in seven.
RTU Klondaika was led by Anete Jekabsone with 21 points, while Anete Brice added 15.
The Spartans begin the regular season hosting the Spartan Chevrolet Classic Nov. 16-17 at the Breslin Center. On Nov. 16, Liberty and ULCA will square off in the first game at 6 p.m., while MSU will face Mid-American Conference opponent Buffalo at 8 p.m. Game times for Saturday (Nov. 17) are 6 and 8 p.m. with Michigan State playing in the 8 p.m. game.
