Michigan State University
Arkansas St
Women's Basketball Defeats Arkansas State, 70-59
11/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 20, 2001
JONESBORO, Ark. - The Michigan State women's basketball team is off to a 3-0 start, following a 70-59 victory over Arkansas State on Tuesday night (Nov. 20) in Jonesboro, Ark. The Spartan victory was the 180th career win for MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie.
"I was very excited and proud of the team's effort," said McCallie. "I felt like Arkansas State never quit. It was very exciting to see our defense hold Arkansas State to just 59 points. I think it's a great compliment for our defense."
Michigan State played a solid defensive first half. The Spartans jumped out to an early 12-3 lead, thanks in part to six points by freshman center Kelli Roehrig. Junior forward Syreeta Bromfield came off the bench to give MSU a lift, canning nine straight points to extend the Spartan lead to 21-6 with 9:25 to go. MSU took a 32-19 lead into the locker room at the half.
MSU's relentless first-half defense held the Indians to just 25 percent (7-of-28) shooting in the first half. The Spartans forced Arkansas State into 10 turnovers while recording five steals.
Michigan State continued to play solid in the second half. MSU opened up a 16-point lead (49-33) on a three-point field goal by Kristin Haynie at the 10:56 mark. Arkansas State never quit, pulling to within nine (61-52) with 3:20 to go on a pair of free throws by Chiquita Tucker. MSU connected on 5-of-8 free throws down the stretch to put the game away.
Freshman guard Kristin Haynie finished with a career-best 21 points as she finished 5-of-7 from the field, including a 3-for-4 effort from the three-point line. Haynie also canned 8-of-12 free throw attempts.
"Kristin has been playing like a veteran player," McCallie commented. "She is doing a good job at the point, since she makes such good decisions with the basketball."
Junior forward Syreeta Bromfield added 16 points and 10 rebounds, while freshman center Kelli Roehrig added 12 points. Freshman forward Joy Johnson hauled down a career-best 11 boards.
Arkansas State was led by Rae-Smith with 13 points and Casie Lowman with 12. ASU shot just 33.3 percent (18-of-54) from the field for the game.
MSU continues its three-game road trip at the Florida International Tournament in Miami this Friday and Saturday (Nov. 23-24). The Spartans will face Monmouth Friday at 7 p.m. and Florida International Saturday, also at 7 p.m.
Spartan Notebook
Junior guard Vnemina Reese scored her 400th career point on her first basket of the game against Arkansas State. Reese now has 405 career points.
Junior forward Syreeta Bromfield posted her first double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Bromfield left the game late in the second half with an injury to her mouth.
MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie recorded her 180th career victory against ASU. She now has 180-91 (.664) career mark.
