Michigan State University
Indiana
Indiana Beats Michigan State, 71-54, at Assembly Hall
12/31/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 31, 2000
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana used a 21-7 run to close the first half as the Hoosiers beat Michigan State, 71-54, on Sunday afternoon (Dec. 31) at Assembly Hall. It was the Big Ten opener for the Spartans, who fell to 6-6 overall and 0-1 in the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Indiana improved to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play.
MSU took their only lead of the game, 3-2, on a three-point play by Julie Pagel. From there, Indiana went on a 10-6 run to take a 12-9 lead with 12:17 remaining. MSU shot only 26.1 percent (6-of-23) from the field in the first half and committed 16 turnovers. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers shot 42.4 percent in building a 35-18 halftime advantage.
MSU made a run to start the second half, narrowing the gap to 10 (43-33) on a layup by Pagel. However, Indiana's Heather Cassady immediately answered hitting a three-point basket as the Hoosiers extended the lead to 13 (46-33) with 12:43 remaining. After a layup by Erin Skelly, Indiana went on a 9-0 run to take a commanding 20-point advantage (55-35) with 10:13 left.
MSU, who entered the game leading the Big Ten in field goal percent defense, saw Indiana connect on 46.0 percent (29-of-63) of their shots from the field, including 41.2 percent (7-of-17) from the three-point line. MSU shot 51.7 percent (15-of-29) from the field in the second half, but could not capitalize on missed opportunities.
Four Hoosiers scored in double figures led by Jill Chapman with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Charliss Ridley (12 points), Rainey Alting (11) and Anna Waugh (10) were the other Hoosiers in double figures.
Candice Jackson led all Spartans with 14 points. Vnemina Reese added nine points, while Julie Pagel and Becky Cummings each chipped in eight.
Michigan State returns to action this Thursday (Jan. 4) when the Spartans host Ohio State at the Breslin Center. Tip-off for the MSU-OSU contest is set for 8 p.m. as the game will be televised live on Fox Sports Chicago. The MSU-OSU game also can be heard live on The Fan 730 AM - WVFN or at www.msuspartans.com.
Spartan Notebook
-- Senior forward Becky Cummings saw her first extensive game action since Dec. 3 against Eastern Michigan. Cummings had missed the last five games with a torn plantar fascia.
-- MSU owns a 9-11 all-time mark in Big Ten openers since the start of league play in 1981-82. The Spartans are 2-7 on the road in Big Ten openers.
-- Candice Jackson posted her third straight game in double figures. In the last three games (Dayton, CMU & Indiana), she is averaging 12.0 points per game.
-- Erin Skelly blocked her 81st career shot at Indiana. She ranks third all-time at MSU in career blocked shots, behind Kristen Rasmussen (194) and Jackie Carter (90).
-- MSU shot a season-low 37.5 percent (9-of-24) from the free throw line against Indiana.
