No. 15 Michigan St. Downs Central Connecticut St., 77-42

Nov. 20, 2004

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Kelli Roehrig scored 11 points during a 24-2 run to start the game, but said defense was the reason for Michigan State's win.

The nation's No. 15 team helped force 34 turnovers on Saturday to beat Central Connecticut State 77-42 in the first game of the Spartan Classic.

"The most important thing is always to play defense the way we know how to play it," Roehrig said. "Our ball pressure was unbelievable."

Liz Shimek had game-highs with 16 points and eight rebounds for the Spartans (1-0).

"We just have to play 40 minutes of Michigan State basketball, and that means attacking and shutting teams down," Shimek said. "It doesn't mater what the other team does. It's all about us."

Kristin Haynie didn't miss a shot and added 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and a career-high seven steals, while committing just one of the Spartans' 22 turnovers.

"There were 56 turnovers," Haynie said. "That's unbelievable. We definitely need to take better care of the ball."

Roehrig finished with 15 points and Victoria Lucas-Perry had 10.

"We had a great start and great leadership," Michigan State coach Joanne P. McCallie said. "Obviously, our goal was to come out and be aggressive. But to keep that up is difficult when the coaches make a lot of changes."

Michigan State led 39-16 at halftime, when Central Connecticut State (0-1) already had 21 turnovers. Brittney Dixon was the Blue Devils' lone double-figure scorer with 10.

"We turned the ball over a few too many times," Central Connecticut State coach Yvette Harris said. "We were intimidated by their pressure on the wings. That flustered our offense.

The Spartans will face No. 18 Boston College for the tournament title Sunday.