Michigan State University
Eastern Mich
Women's Basketball Falls To Eastern Michigan, 66-59
12/3/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 3, 2000
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Michigan State women's basketball team came up on the short end against Eastern Michigan at the Women's College Basketball Showcase in Grand Rapids falling to the Eagles, 66-59, on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 3).
"My hat goes off to Eastern Michigan," said MSU Head Coach Joanne P. McCallie. "I thought they played a great basketball game. It is another lesson for our team, and something that we must learn to grow from."
The Spartans started the game strong, jumping out to an early 7-0 lead on a Donita Johnson three-pointer just 3:33 into the game. The Spartans extended the lead to nine (12-3) after a pair of three throws by Julie Pagel.
Eastern Michigan used the three-point arc to slowly climb back into the game. Kristy Maska hit two in a row to give the Eagles an 18-16 advantage with 12:08 remaining in the first half. EMU extended the lead to five (26-21) after a three-point basket by Dru Bishop. The Eagle hit six three-point field goals in the first half, including four by Maska, and went into the locker room at halftime trailing by just two, 35-33.
MSU came out of the locker room at halftime and built a five-point lead on a three-point basket by Johnson. EMU went on a 7-0 run over the next four minutes to reclaim a 40-38 advantage. A driving lay-up by Candice Jackson tied the game at 40, but a short jumper by Shani Charles gave EMU a two-point advantage (42-40) before extending the lead to four (44-40) after a pair of free throws by Charles.
Christie Pung hit a three-pointer to pull the Spartans within three (46-43) with10:30 left. However, three straight free throws by EMU gave the Eagles a six-point advantage (49-43) with 9:50 remaining.
Another clutch three pointer by Pung help the Spartans pull with five (51-46) with 8:36 left. EMU had an answer to the Spartan attack as Abby Wiseman hit a turn-around jumper as the Eagles extended their lead to seven (57-48).
The Spartans would make one last run, pulling within three (62-59) on a pair of free throws by Pung. Four straight free throws by EMU's Stephanie Smiley sealed the win for the Eagles, 66-59.
Donita Johnson led the Spartans with 13 points, while Becky Cummings added 10. EMU's Dru Bishop led all scorers with 17 points.
Michigan State returns to action this Tuesday (Dec. 5) when they face 2000 NCAA Tournament participant Wisconsin-Green Bay at the Breslin Center.
