Spartan Bench Keys 64-55 Win Over Grand Valley

Nov. 2, 2006

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State used a late 11-2 run to clinch a 64-55 exhibition victory over Grand Valley State on Thursday night at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Spartan freshmen combined for 26 points and 15 rebounds, and Victoria Lucas-Perry recorded 16 points and eight assists for MSU.

"I was very impressed with Grand Valley," head coach Joanne P. McCallie said. "It was exactly what I expected. I think it's early for us offensively - our timing is off, but I'm not so concerned about that. That will come through time. I was happy about some of the defensive things we did."

Michigan State's senior backcourt led the Spartans out of the gate, as Victoria Lucas-Perry and Rene Haynes scored 10 of the team's first 14 points and helped MSU to an early 14-5 lead. Grand Valley's three-point shooting kept the game close, as the Lakers shot 3-for-4 from beyond the arc in the first half and trailed the Spartans 28-23 at halftime.

The second half featured momentum shifts, two ties and two lead changes. Facing a five-point deficit, Grand Valley opened the second half on a 6-0 run to take its first lead of the game. The Spartans responded with an 8-2 run of their own to reclaim the lead at 36-31, but Grand Valley tied the game at 38-38 with a 7-2 run.

Ultimately, the game was decided in the paint, as freshman Allyssa DeHaan and sophomore Aisha Jefferson each scored 11 points in the second half and keyed the Spartan victory. With Haynes on the bench after picking up her fourth foul with 8:07 remaining in the game, GVSU had a chance to make a run. The Lakers took advantage and tied the game at 50-50 two minutes later on a layup by Erika Ryskamp.

After a timeout, the Spartans began to pound the ball to their post players and regained control of the game. Over the next four minutes, Jefferson scored six points and DeHaan added five to initiate an 11-2 run, giving the Spartans a 61-52 lead.

The Spartans outscored the Lakers 32-14 in the paint and outrebounded GVSU, 37-27. Individually, DeHaan changed the complexion of the game both on offense and defense. The freshman center finished the night with 17 points, six rebounds and four blocks in 27 minutes of action.

"Allyssa's very significant, and has been since day one," McCallie said. "There is nothing surprising to me about Allyssa's play in any way. She has so many great things she can do out there."

Ryskamp led Grand Valley with 17 points and five steals, while Crystal Zick recorded 16 points and six rebounds.

The Spartans will conclude their exhibition schedule against Ferris State on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. as part of doubleheader with the men playing The Citadel in regular-season action at 5 p.m.