Michigan State University
Iowa
Women's Basketball Falls To Iowa, 69-59
2/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 20, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Junior forward Syreeta Bromfield led MSU in scoring for a second-straight game with 24 points, but it wasn't enough as Michigan State dropped a tough 69-59 decision to Iowa on Wednesday (Feb. 20) at the Breslin Center. The Michigan State-Iowa game also marked Senior Day activities for the Spartan basketball team as forward Abby Salscheider and guard Vnemina Reese were honored following the game.
"It was a tough game for us," said MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie. "I really want to compliment Iowa. They played a good game. We gave up a lot of points in the first half, and I think that came back to hurt us."
The first half of the game was filled with back and fourth action. Michigan State scored 38 first-half points, the most points scored by the Spartans all season. However, Iowa (16-9 overall, 9-6 Big Ten) scored 39 in the opening stanza to take a slim one-point lead into the half.
The teams opened the second half where they left off, exchanging baskets. A 10-3 Iowa run gave the Hawkeyes an 11-point advantage (62-51) with nine minutes to play. MSU made a run, pulling to within six (65-59) on a Syreeta Bromfield layup. However, Iowa was too strong, closing out the game on 4-0 run to post the 69-59 win.
One of the keys to the game was scoring. Iowa had three players in double figures, led by Leah Magner and Jennie Lillis with 18 points each. Syreeta Bromfield was the only Spartan in double figures with 24 points.
The other key was rebounding. Iowa held a 35-to-27 edge on the boards, including an 11-to-8 advantage on the offensive glass.
"We need balanced scoring (in order to be successful)," said McCallie. "We need to attack the basket more. We also need to work on boxing out. Basketball is a team sport and we have not come close to that."
Michigan State (15-11 overall, 5-10 Big Ten) closes out the regular season at Minnesota this Sunday (Feb. 24). Tip-off in Minneapolis is set for 12 p.m. CST as the game will be televised live on Fox Sports Chicago.
Spartan Notebook
Junior forward Syreeta Bromfield posted her 20th game in double figures this season with 24 points. It also marked the 10th time this season she has scored 20 or more points in a game.
The Spartans recorded their 19th game in double figure steals with 15 vs. Iowa.
Sophomore guard Candice Jackson led MSU in rebounding for a second-straight game with five boards.
After missing the Penn State game with a back injury, freshman center Kelli Roehrig played for a total of 13 minutes. She added four points and two rebounds.
Following tonight's game, Iowa holds a 27-13 lead in the all-time series. The Hawkeyes now have won four-straight games in the series.
