In redshirt senior guard Shay Colley’s second game back after an injury, Michigan State women’s basketball (15-13, 8-9) took down Illinois (11-17, 2-15) Wednesday, 72-58.
After making her return against Michigan and posting just two points, Colley came out hot against the Fighting Illini.
The Preseason All-Big Ten selection led the Spartans in scoring with 14 points, as she helped propel them to a double-digit victory.
The Spartans came out hot early, outscoring Illinois 21-17 in the first quarter and 55-38 in the first three, finishing the first half on a 10-0 run.
After their loss against Michigan on Sunday, senior guard Taryn McCutcheon said that the Spartans needed to start and finish the game like they were down 10.
They did that tonight.
Post play was an issue against Michigan after several strong outings from sophomore forward Kayla Belles and freshman Taiyier Parks, who got in foul trouble early.
The pair rebounded tonight, literally. The Spartans out-rebounded Illinois 50-35. Belles and Parks both added 8 points from the block. Sophomore guard Nia Clouden earned a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman guard Moira Joiner also created 11 points for the Spartans.
In one of their most balanced, consistent attacks of the season, Spartan role players were able to get involved. Freshman guard Alyza Winston scored eight points, after hitting back-to-back threes in the third.
With their last Big Ten road game behind them, the Spartans have won four of their last five. The Spartans now turn their attention to Senior Day, March 1, against cellar-dweller Penn State.
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