Michigan State University
Oakland
Women's Basketball Beats Oakland, 55-53
12/5/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 5, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - For the third straight game, the final outcome was determined in the final minute. Freshman guard Kristin Haynie hit a pair of free throws and junior forward Syreeta Bromfield connected on the back half of two free throws to give Michigan State a 55-53 victory over Oakland on Wednesday night at the Breslin Center. MSU improved to 7-1 with the win, while Okland fell to 2-3.
"It was a defensive basketball game," said MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie. "I have to compliment Oakland on a fine basketball game. I'm very proud of our defensive effort today. We still have a lot to work on on offense, but I'm proud of our team's defensive effort.
Defense was the theme in the first half as the Spartans took a 29-25 advantage into the locker room at the half. MSU shot just 37 percent (10-of-27) from the field, while Oakland connected on 30.3 percent (10-of-33).
The Grizzlies slowly built an eight-point advantage (48-40) with 5:54 to play. MSU battled back, going on an 8-0 run led by Julie Pagel's four points to knot the score at 48 all with 3:26 left. Both teams battled back-and-fourth as MSU built a 54-51 advantage on Kristin Haynie's free throws. Oakland cut the lead to one (54-53) on a jumper by Leigh Tully with eight seconds left. However, Syreeta Bromfield was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play and canned 1-of-2 shots to give MSU the 55-53 victory.
"Our team is starting to come together," commented McCallie. "We are starting to understand our roles, understand who needs the ball in certain situations and where to attack in certain situations."
Three Spartans scored in double figures led by Julie Pagel and Vnemina Reese with 12 points each. Joy Johnson chipped in 11 points, while Syreeta Bromfield finished with seven.
Katie Wolfe led Oakland with a game-high 19 points. Sarah Judd finished with 14 points while Leigh Tully came off the bench to chip in 11.
The Spartans will take a 10-day break for final exams before returning to the court on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Spartan Notebook
Syreeta Bromfield had her streak of six-straight games in double-figure scoring snapped against Oakland. Bromfield finished the game with seven points.
Freshman forward Joy Johnson matched her career high with 11 points vs. Oakland.
MSU held a 42-to-31 edge on the boards against Oakland.
