Then-freshman guard Julia Ayrault (40) shoots the ball during the game against Morehead State on Dec. 15, 2019, at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Eagles, 93-48.
Michigan State women's basketball (8-7, 1-3) dropped yet another conference game on the road Thursday evening. This time the loss came at the hands of Penn State (7-8, 1-3), 86-73.
The guard duo of senior Siyeh Frazier and junior Kamaria McDaniel each dropped 24 points for the Lady Nittany Lions.
The Spartans put the Nittany Lions at the line an excessive amount as well, contributing to their downfall. Penn State made the most of their opportunities, going 17-for-18 from the line.
This was another battle where the Spartans kept it close, but trailed throughout, similar to Sunday's loss at Michigan. Their star scorers were absent for too long in the game to get anything going.
At the half the Spartans trailed by an 11-point deficit. Their backcourt, senior Taryn McCutcheon and sophomore Nia Clouden, responsible for 36.9% of the Spartans scoring per game, had 12 points at the half.
McCutcheon was able to turn things on, scoring 14 points on the night, but Clouden’s struggles continued.
The Spartans made their push in the third, outscoring the Nittany Lions 21-14, bringing the score within four, but unlike in the Dec. 31 victory over Nebraska, they were unable to make the run count.
Led by sophomore forward Kayla Belles’ career-high 19 points and six rebounds, the Spartans made their push. But Penn State shot well and had their answer.
The loss marks the seventh in ten games for Suzy Merchant's embattled club.
Michigan State will try to capitalize on a break from travel, as they head back home on Jan. 12 when they welcome Wisconsin to the Breslin Center.
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