Hoffman Estates, Ill. – It wasn’t pretty, but when you’re taking on the champ, all that matters is who’s left standing. That’s how the MSU women’s basketball team felt after avenging two double-digit regular season losses by downing No.
After a hard fought defensive battle, the MSU women’s basketball team upset No. one seed and number 8 in the nation Penn State, 54-46. Senior forward Courtney Schiffauer gave the Spartans their first lead of the game with a driving layup less than five minutes into the second half. Penn State answered with a 3-pointer during the next possession, but sophomore forward Becca Mills returned the favor with a jumper to tie it at 24. The Spartans led by as many as eight, but back-to-back Penn State three pointers cut the lead to one with just more than eight minutes to play. But thanks to Mills and senior guard Jasmine Thomas, the Spartans pulled away. Mills finished with 16 points and was just 1 rebound shy of a double-double, and Thomas ended up with 17 points and 6 rebounds and 3 assists to go with her 2 steal. The Spartans take on Purdue Sunday at 4 p.m.
Defense, rebounding and fouls were the keys to the first half as the MSU women’s basketball team trails top seeded Penn State, 19-17. Both teams shot less than 25 percent from the floor, but the Spartans dominated the boards leading Penn State 25-17 on the glass, seven of them being of the offensive variety. The Nittany Lions got out to a quick 14-5 lead, but the Spartans then went on a 9-2 run to get it back to within two points. From the 7:55 mark on, neither team scored a field goal. Still senior guard Jasmine Thomas was the top performer for the Spartans with five points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Junior forward Annalise Pickrel picked up a trio of fouls early in the half and was forced to sit, and both teams looked tired as they committed 13 turnovers between them.
Between the sound of pep bands and fans cheering, the atmosphere in and around the Sears Centre Arena for the women’s Big Ten tournament was full of activity.
The MSU women’s basketball team ended up on the winning side of its season series with rival Michigan last night by way of a 62-46 win in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. The Spartans and Wolverines split the regular season matchups, each winning on their home floors.
The MSU hockey team picked up a win in the first game of the CCHA playoffs with a 2-1 defeat of Alaska on the road Saturday night.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.- Defense wins championships, or in the case of the MSU women’s basketball team, it gets them closer to one.
Hoffman Estates, Ill. – When it comes to Michigan, Klarissa Bell pulls no punches. The junior guard and East Lansing native speaks openly about her disregard for MSU’s rival.
The MSU women’s basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the women’s Big Ten Tournament with t a 62-46 win over in-state rival Michigan.
After one half of play in the women’s Big Ten Basketball tournament, the MSU women’s basketball team leads Michigan 30-25.
The ball floated through the air, arching slowly, rotating slightly, before beginning to wobble, flatten out, and ultimately clang off the side of the rim.
There are those moments when you know it’s March.
With an opportunity for a Big Ten championship in the balance, the No. 10 MSU men’s basketball team knows there’s still plenty to play for. But if the team wants a shot to repeat as conference champions, they’ll first need to take a shot at fellow contender No. 22 Wisconsin.
Follow along with our live chat as the MSU men’s basketball team takes on Wisconsin. Leave your questions, comments and analysis for State News basketball reporter Dillon Davis.
Following a reshuffling of the MSU football coaching staff, new co-offensive coordinators Dave Warner at a Breslin Center news conference and Jim Bollman via speakerphone met with members of the media Tuesday to discuss the new-look staff.
Accumulating losses to No. 2 Indiana and No. 14 Ohio State along with the Wolverines, the Spartans have become the latest to succumb to the rigors of one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
MSU officially announced the hiring of Jim Bollman and internal changes to the Spartan football staff on Monday in a press release.
Two plays: That’s all Michigan guard Trey Burke would need to sink the No. 9 MSU men’s basketball team.
Jasmine Thomas missed the final shot she ever took at Breslin Center in a Spartan uniform – a free throw with 2.3 seconds left in the game and a six-point lead in hand. But it doesn’t matter to her.
The ball was in Trey Burke’s hands as he drove to the rim, for an uncontested and unexpected final minute dunk.