Right from the get-go, the Spartans stood no chance against the No. 2 ranked Fighting Irish in the country. MSU finished with a dismal offensive performance throughout the night losing 59-90 to Notre Dame.
Notre Dame started out strong with an 11-0 run and outscoring the Spartans 9-23 in the first and 7-24 in the second. MSU shot 4 of 18 from the field in the first and shot 0 for 11 from the field in the last eight minutes of the first half.
The Spartans had a strong third quarter that looked as if they were going to make a strong run heading to the fourth, outscoring Notre Dame 24-16. However, the Fighting Irish quickly got back and dominated MSU the rest of the way, leading by as many as 36.
Turnovers were a big issue, but it was foul trouble that was the team’s ultimate downfall. The Spartans had 25 personal fouls on the night that led to 28 made free throws for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame had just 13 fouls.
Forward Taya Reimer returned to Notre Dame, where she played before transferring to MSU, but struggled on the night with four points in 28 minutes of action.
Positives going forward for the team were center Jenna Allen finishing with a career high of 28 points on 55 percent shooting. Guard Taryn McCutchen tied her career high with 12 assists, but shot 0-11 from the field.
MSU fell to 6-3 on the season. The Spartans return back to the Breslin to face Rhode Island this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
