Michigan State University
Marquette
Women's Basketball Squeaks By Marquette, 65-63
12/2/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 2, 2001
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Once again, grit and perseverance prevailed for the Spartans. Freshman guard Kristin Haynie canned 3-of-4 free throws to lift Michigan State to a 65-63 victory over Marquette on Sunday afternoon at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. With the win, MSU improved to 6-1 overall while Marquette dropped to 2-4.
"I'm proud of our team and their effort," said MSU Head Coach Joanne P. McCallie. "Our team played played together and pulled out a great win. Marquette is an excellent team and they played hard this afternoon.
Both teams started out slowly as MSU held a slim 6-5 advantage with 14:33 to play in the first half. Three straight baskets by Marquette gave the Golden Eagles a 12-6 lead with 11:43 to play. A three-point basket by Maria Recker pulled the Spartans to within three (12-9). It was Recker's first three-point field goal of the season.
The game continued to seesaw back and fourth. A three-point basket by Syreeta Bromfield helped MSU regain a one-point advantage (13-12). MSU pulled out to a five-point advantage (19-14) on a three-point basket by Kristin Haynie. Marquette pulled the game even at 21 and took a 25-22 lead on a four-point play by Kelly Schwerman.
A three-point play by Syreeta Bromfield evened the score at 25 again. The Spartans took a slim 29-27 lead into the break as MSU shot just 32.0 percent (8-of-25) in the first half, while Marquette shot 36.4 percent (8-of-22).
The back-and-fourth action continued in the opening minutes of the second half. The Spartans finally opened up a nine-point advantage (40-31) on four-straight free throws by Syreeta Bromfield with 16:49 to play in the game. The Golden Eagles cut into MSU's lead, pulling to within four (42-38).
Junior center Jennifer Callier completed a three-point play to give MSU a 49-42 lead with 10:13 to play. Another basket by Callier gave MSU a nine-point lead (51-42). Marquette slowly cut into the MSU lead. MU's Kristen Johnson hit a three-point basket as the Golden Eagles pulled to within five (57-52) and a pair of free throws by Rachel Klug helped MU close the gap to three (57-54). Sarah Zawodny gave MU a 58-57 lead with 3:53.
Syreeta Bromfield hit a three-point basket to give MSU a 60-58 lead. Marquette tied the game at 60 and retook the lead 62-60. Julie Pagel hit a driving layup to pull MSU within one (63-62). Marquette
Syreeta Bromfield led MSU with 26 points and nine rebounds. Kristin Haynie chipped in 15 points, while Julie Pagel added 11. Rachel Klug led Marquette with 17 pints.
The Spartans return to the Breslin Center to face Oakland on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.
Spartan Notebook
Junior forward Syreeta Bromfield posted her sixth-straight game in double figures with 26 points against Marquette. The 26 points were a season high for Bromfield.
Sophomore forward Julie Pagel made her first start of the season against Marquette.
MSU finished its five-game road stand with a 4-1 record today.
MSU's 6-1 start to begin the season is tied for the second-best start ever in school history. It is just the sixth time in school history (1973-74, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87 and 1990-91) that MSU has started 6-1. The best start ever for a Spartan squad is 7-0, set the 1999-2000 team.
