Michigan State University
Ohio St
Women's Basketball Knocks Off Ohio State, 64-49
1/17/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 17, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio - It took six games, but the Michigan State women's basketball team finally picked up its first Big Ten Conference win of the season - a 64-49 victory over Ohio State in Columbus on Thursday night (Jan. 17). With the win, MSU improved to 11-6 overall, 1-5 in conference action. Ohio State falls to 9-9 overall, 4-3 in the Big Ten.
"I'm really proud of the team and the effort that they displayed," said MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie. "Our team played solid defense. We had great leadership from both Mina (Reese) and Maria (Recker). I enjoyed watching the younger players on the floor, especially (Kristin) Haynie.
Michigan State opened the game strong going on a 13-2 run, thanks in part to a pair of three-pointers by Maria Recker and four points by Kelli Roehrig. MSU also was shooting solid from the field, connecting on five of its first six shots.
Four-straight points by Kelli Roehrig helped MSU push the lead to 14 (22-8). Ohio State made a run, pulling within 10 (22-12) but the Spartans' Vnemina Reese would answer with a driving layup to put the Spartans back up by 12 (24-12). The Spartans would take a 26-17 lead into the locker room at the half.
Michigan State, which has struggled in the second half in its previous five games, turned in a solid second half to put the game out of reach. The teams exchanged baskets to open the half as the Buckeyes closed the gap to nine (33-24). However, Julie Pagel's three-point play game the Spartans a 14-point lead (40-26).
Four-straight points by Syreeta Bromfield gave MSU a 45-31 advantage and the Spartans increased the lead to 17 (48-31) on a three pointer by Syreeta Bromfield. A Kelli Roehrig layup gave MSU its largest lead of the half, 52-34 as the Spartans cruised to the win.
"It was a very crucial second half," said guard Vnemina Reese. "We had to remind each other that we needed to box out and get the rebound. We knew that we had to keep our feet moving and hold Ohio State to just one shot. We said no way - today we are going to get the job done."
"We had a solid defensive effort tonight," commented McCallie. "We are coming along. I was very impressed that we were able to hold OSU to under 35 percent shooting."
Michigan State, which shot 48 percent from the field, was led by Kelli Roehrig with 18 points and eight rebounds. Syreeta Bromfield finished with 12 points, all scored in the second half and Vnemina Reese added nine points.
Courtney Coleman paced the Buckeyes with 15 points and Lauren Shenk had nine points. OSU shot just 34.5 percent and committed 20 turnovers.
The Spartans return to the Breslin Center on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m., when MSU faces Penn State.
Spartan Notebook
Junior forward Maria Recker moved into sixth place on MSU's career three-point chart with 43 career threes. Christie Pung (1998-2001) previously held the sixth position with 42 career threes.
Sophomore forward Julie Pagel went down with a right ankle injury with 14 minutes to go in the first half. She returned to the line-up with 6:03 to play in the first half, but with her ankle heavily taped. She finished the game with six points and four rebounds.
This was a homecoming of sorts for freshman forward Joy Johnson. Johnson hails from Dayton, Ohio - just 60 minutes west of Columbus. Johnson added two points and five rebounds.
Freshman center Kelli Roehrig posted her fifth-straight game and her seventh game this season in double figures with 18 points.
The win at Ohio State was the Spartans first Big Ten road win since Feb. 15, 2001 when MSU posted a 77-68 win at Northwestern.
In addition, it was MSU's first victory in Columbus since Feb. 8, 1998 - a 74-72 victory.
