Michigan State University
Iowa
Women's Basketball Falls To Iowa, 75-55
1/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 24, 2002
IOWA CITY, Iowa - It was a tale of two halves for the Michigan State women's basketball team. Unfortunately, it was the first half that spelled doom for MSU. Iowa jumped out to a 21-2 lead and never looked back in cruising to the 75-55 win on Thursday evening at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
"I want to tip my hat to Iowa," said MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie. "They are a good team and I really like their seniors. We didn't have a good game. It was another learning experience for our young team."
Iowa jumped out to an early 21-2 lead as the Spartans struggled from the field. MSU finally scored its first basket, thanks to Vnemina Reese, at the 15:20 mark and posted its second basket by Syreeta Bromfield at the 6:52 mark.
The Hawkeyes were solid in the first half, heading into the locker room at the half with a 41-19 lead. The Spartans committed 14 first-half turnovers and shot just 27.6 percent (8-of-29) from the field. On the other hand, Iowa was on fire, shooting 46.7 percent (14-of-30) from the field and 80.0 percent (8-of-10) from the three-point line.
"You would have thought that we did not have a scouting report going into the game, but we did," commented McCallie. "I can't explain why our kids were tight and nervous."
The Spartans opened the second half on an 8-4 run to pull within 19 (46-27) as Julie Pagel added six points to spark the Spartans. The Spartan defense tightened up as MSU's offense started to catch fire going on a 14-8 run as the Spartans closed the gap, 60-41.
The Spartans were able to close the gap to 15 (60-45) on a pair of free throws by Joy Johnson. However, the Hawkeyes outscored the Spartans 15-10 down the stretch in posting the win.
Syreeta Bromfield led MSU with 15 points and eight rebounds. Kristin Haynie added 10 points and Cortne Ellis finished with eight points.
Three Hawkeyes scored in double figures led by Jennie Lillis with 20 points. Lindsey Meder finished with 18 points and Leah Magner, 15.
Michigan State (12-7 overall, 2-6 Big Ten) will entertain Northwestern this Sunday (Jan. 27), at 3 p.m., at the Breslin Center.
Spartan Notebook
MSU's 19 first-half points were the team's fewest since scoring 12 at Wisconsin last year.
Junior forward Syreeta Bromfield added her 15th game in double figures with 15 points.
