Michigan State University
Michigan
No. 10 Spartans Top Michigan, 70-60
1/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 2, 2005
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State knew it would get Michigan's best shot but survived to match its best start in 31 years.
Lindsay Bowen had a game-high 16 points, giving her more than 1,000 in three seasons, and the No. 10 Spartans beat the Wolverines 70-60 on Sunday, despite allowing 11 3-point baskets.
"I'm just really proud of our team with the schedule we have," Michigan State coach Joanne P. McCallie said. "It's a very good thing that we get everyone's best game. Michigan played beautifully, by far the best it has played all year ... I've never seen so many balls go in."
The Spartans (12-1, 1-0 Big Ten) led 35-34 at halftime, then built a 17-point lead and looked more like the team that beat No. 11 Connecticut 67-51 on Thursday in Hartford, Conn.
Michigan (4-9, 0-2) answered with a 16-5 run and drew within six points but couldn't stop Michigan State from starting 5-0 on opponents' courts for the first time in school history.
"Of course, we expected a great game," McCallie said. "We do every game. When you stop expecting a great game, that's when it's going to bite you a little bit. ... And it was interesting to have a rival game after Connecticut, when you have all this energy going nine different ways."
Kelli Roehrig had 14 points but missed three wide-open layups for the Spartans. Liz Shimek added 13 points and 14 rebounds, and Victoria Lucas-Perry had 12 points off the bench.
The Wolverines, who hit 42.3 percent from long range, were led by freshmen Ta'Shia Walker and Jessica Starling, each with 15 points. Tabitha Pool had 12 points and Krista Clement 11.
"Our coaches wanted so much for our young basketball team to not just compete but to really get this one, " Michigan coach Cheryl Burnett said. "We've needed a break. We've needed a victory. But Michigan State has a lot of quality players who've played a lot of quality minutes."
Several Spartans said their problem in the first half was execution, not expectations, after beating three-time defending NCAA champion UConn.
 Lindsay Bowen, who scored 16 points and surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her career, takes an elbow to the chin during MSU's victory over Michigan.  | |
After some harsh words from their coaches, the Spartans played as expected in the second half and finished with edges of 48.3-44.4 percent in shooting from the field and 37-26 in rebounds.
"I don't think there was a letdown at all," said floor leader Kristin Haynie, who had eight points, seven rebounds and seven assists. "This was the best game they've played, and we had to adjust in the second half. But honestly, we didn't dwell on the win over Connecticut. We have to go forward in the Big Ten season."
