Northwestern was not supposed to be a big game for the No. 10 MSU women's basketball team, but the Spartans turned it into one.
MSU (19-3 overall, 8-2 Big Ten) reached the 100-point mark for the first time since the 2000-01 season, scoring its largest total of the year in a 101-40 victory over the Wildcats (5-18, 2-8). The 61-point margin tied with the largest in MSU history.
"Everyone came together and had a great game," Spartans sophomore guard Victoria Lucas-Perry said. "We went real deep in our bench, which is something we have been trying to do all year."
An MSU win was never in doubt as the Spartans went on a 21-0 run in the first half and took a 35-point lead into the half.
The first half was highlighted by Lucas-Perry, who matched the Wildcats' total points with 21 in the half and finished with a career-high 25 points, also the game-high. Spartans junior forward Liz Shimek added 21 points and sophomore guard Rene Haynes had a career-high 19 points in the blowout victory.
"We have seen this in practice from Victoria - it is just great that she was able to translate this into a game," MSU head coach Joanne P. McCallie said.
"Now the key for her is to be consistent in her effort, focus and balance the rest of the year."
The Spartans shot a season-high 60 percent from the field and dished out 28 assists, also a season-high. Eight came from senior guard Kristin Haynie.
MSU once again had the edge in rebounds, 47-19. Senior center Kelli Roehrig had a game-high 12 rebounds.
The Spartans took great care of the ball all night, only turning it over eight times, a season-low, while forcing 20 turnovers.
"We didn't show up to play tonight, and I am embarrassed for the team and the program for the way we played," Northwestern head coach Beth Combs said.
The Spartans did not give up any fast-break points while having 19 of their own, and got 29 points from their bench, which McCallie has been looking for all year.
"Everyone on the bench made an impact and this is becoming consistent with what we see in practice from them," McCallie said. "The thing I loved the most was the focus we showed throughout the game from both the starters and the bench."
McCallie said the team will enjoy the win for 24 hours and then move on to prepare for Illinois, which comes to Breslin Center at 2 p.m. Sunday.
