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FINAL: MSU women's basketball wins game one of school tripleheader against Northeastern

December 18, 2016
Freshman forward Victoria Gaines (15) attempts a shot during an exhibition game against Northwood University on Nov. 6, 2016 at the Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Timberwolves 82-47.
Freshman forward Victoria Gaines (15) attempts a shot during an exhibition game against Northwood University on Nov. 6, 2016 at the Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Timberwolves 82-47.

After nine days without playing, the MSU women’s basketball team went out on the court and defeated Northeastern University, 78-44. The Spartans downed the Huskies in game one of the sports tripleheader between the schools.

The Spartans took advantage of the large lead, with every athlete able to get on the court for some playing time. Only two of the 11 girls who saw the court didn’t score any points, which was the main reason for the more than 30-point lead.

The Spartans had a successful game shooting the ball, as their shooting percentage rose for the first three quarters to reach a high of 62.5 percent. In the first quarter, MSU only allowed Northeastern to score five points on 12.5 percent shooting while forcing five turnovers. 

The second quarter wasn’t any better for the Huskies, as they were 3-for-12, but the team scored three 3-pointers. During the final minutes of the game, Northeastern outscored the Spartans, 14-12, however it made no difference because the lead was so substantial.

Senior guard Tori Jankoska was the leading scorer of the afternoon with 19 points. She was 2-for-7 beyond the arc, which was below her season mark. Jankoska also had 10 rebounds accompanying her 19 points, giving her a double-double. She made 75 percent of her free throws, had four assists and three steals, but also three turnovers.

Fifth-year senior guard Branndais Agee had a solid afternoon as well. Agee hasn’t been on the court much while nursing an injury from the offseason. Head coach Suzy Merchant has said she lets other players fill in for Agee at times so when she’s out on the court she’s fresh and full of energy. Against the Huskies, the co-captain scored 12 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and a block.

On Dec. 20 the Spartans will play No. 2 Notre Dame at the Breslin Center. Notre Dame transfer and forward Taya Reimer had 10 rebounds, which tied for the most on the team against Northeastern.

The Spartans have yet to play a team as highly ranked and covered like Notre Dame, and it’s the last game MSU will play before the team heads into Big Ten play. For more coverage of MSU women’s basketball, follow The State News Sports on Twitter, @thesnews_sports.

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