Wisconsin Beats Michigan State in Women's Basketball

Jan. 11, 2001

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Wisconsin used a strong second half to post a 72-56 victory over Michigan State on Thursday evening (Jan. 11) at the Breslin Center. The Badgers shot 50.0 percent (17-of-34) in the second half and outscored the Spartans 40-26 in picking up the win.

The Badgers took their largest lead of the first half (21-11) with 12:09 left on a jumper by Kristi Seeger. However, the Spartans fought back going on a 10-0 run to even the score at 21 all on an Abby Salscheider driving layup with 7:28 left. Back-to-back three-point field goals built the Wisconsin lead back up to six (27-21). The Spartans responded pulling to within two (32-30) at the half.

Wisconsin opened the second half with a quick basket by Jessie Stomski to take four-point advantage (34-30). MSU pulled to within one (34-33) on three-point basket by Vnemina Reese, but that would be the closest that MSU would come the rest of the game. The Badgers went on 11-0 run over the next five minutes to take a commanding 46-33 lead.

Michigan State got 22 points from Becky Cummings and 14 from Julie Pagel. Wisconsin (8-5 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) was led by Jessie Stomski with 18 points and LaTonya Sims with 16.

Michigan State (8-7 overall, 2-2 Big Ten) returns to action this Sunday (Jan. 14), at 2 p.m., when the Spartans host the Fighting Illini at the Breslin Center. The MSU-ILL game also can be heard live on The Fan 730 AM - WVFN or at www.msuspartans.com.

Spartan Notebook

-- Becky Cummings recorded her 20th career double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

-- Julie Pagel posted her third straight game in double figures with 12 points.

-- MSU, who leads the Big Ten in rebound margin +9.0 rebounds per game, was outrebounded by Wisconsin (35-33).

-- MSU's bench scored only two points against the Badgers.