Michigan State University
HOUSTON JAQUARS
Houston Beats Michigan State 66-57 in Exhibition Action
11/12/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 12, 2000
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
Michigan State freshman guard Candice Jackson (Lansing, Mich./Lansing Everett HS) added 24 points, but it wasn't enough as the Houston Jaguars handed Michigan State a 66-57 loss on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 12) at the Breslin Center. The game was MSU's final tune-up before the regular season opens this Friday (Nov. 17).
"I think the difference today was toughness," said MSU Head Coach Joanne P. McCallie. "We had stretches where our offense was not positive and that affected us defensively. When our defense is strong, our rebounding is there. We need to step up and take our shots. We are looking for consistency with our offense, strong defense, team play and hustle."
Houston jumped out to an early 20-10 lead on a pair of free throws by Jamika Jones. However, senior guard Donita Johnson (Clinton Township, Mich./Mt. Clemens HS) added five straight points as the Spartans cut the Houston lead to five, 20-15 with 3:48 to go in the first half. The Jaguars closed the first half on a 13-12 run to take a 33-27 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Spartans cut into the Houston halftime lead going on a 27-18 run to start the second half. Candice Jackson added a pair of three pointers to cut into the lead. A Jackson driving layup tied the game at 45 with 10:33 left to play. However, the Spartans went without a field goal over the next seven minutes while the Jaguars added 11 points to take a commanding 56-47 lead. MSU finally broke the scoring drought on a Vnemina Reese running jumper at the 3:33 mark.
Houston connected on its final 10 free throws to seal the game, 66-57. Tatum Brown led the Jaguars with 18 points, while Patricia Lucky and Isatu Milton added 16 points apiece.
Candice Jackson led Michigan State with 24 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the floor, including a 7-for-14 performance from the three-point arc. Donita Johnson came off the bench to add 12 points and seven rebounds. Senior forward Becky Cummings (Walled Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Western HS) added 11 points and seven rebounds.
"The Houston defense did a good job," said McCallie. " We didn't respond well. This will be a good film to watch and learn from. This was a great lesson for our team. We must come ready to play every night."
Michigan State opens the 2000-01 season hosting the MSU Chevrolet Classic next Friday and Saturday (Nov. 17-18) at the Breslin Center. MSU faces Arkansas State in the first game on Friday, at 7 p.m. while Boston College and Tennessee Tech will meet in the second contest, starting at approximately 9 p.m. Tip-off times for Saturday (Nov. 18) at 5 and 7 p.m. with Michigan State playing the 7 p.m. contest regardless of Friday's outcome.
