Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Michigan State (Spartan Chevrolet Classic)
Women's Basketball Falls To Michigan State, 82-68
11/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 23, 2002
East Lansing, MI.- Despite trailing by just three points at halftime, Fresno State's upset bid against Michigan State fell short as the Spartans used a commanding second half run to down the Bulldogs 82-68 in the opening round of the Spartan Chevrolet Classic on Saturday afternoon at the Breslin Student Events Center.
The Bulldogs kept things close for the entire first half and held a brief lead early, but the Spartans outscored the visitors 48-37 in the second half to claim the victory. Michigan State shot 49.1 percent (27-55) overall and held a 19-2 advantage in fast break points over the Bulldogs, who shot 40.0 percent (26-65) for the afternoon.
Sophomore Aritta Lane (Aiea, Hawaii) led the Bulldogs with 15 points on 6-8 shooting from the field, and junior Mindy Clark (La Habra, Calif.) chipped in with 13 points. Six different Fresno State players made at least one three-pointer as the Bulldogs shot 8-26 from long range.
"When you're down three points to Michigan State at halftime it shows improvement," said Fresno State head coach Stacy Johnson-Klein. "This was a good experience for us today- playing a quality team, on their home floor, in their own tournament. I think we'll grow from this and I want to see how the team rebounds from this tomorrow."
Fresno State trailed by just three at halftime, with the Spartans clinging to a 34-31 advantage. The Bulldogs led for the first eight minutes of the opening stanza, which featured some crucial defensive stops from the Fresno State defense. Michigan State took its first lead at 11-9 with just over 11 minutes remaining and would continue to hold off a steady Bulldog charge for the remainder of the half.
The Spartans led by as many as 10 points in the first half and were able to build a 21-11 lead after holding Fresno State scoreless over a seven-minute stretch. However, Lane (Aiea, Hawaii) knocked down two three-pointers and her putback following a Bulldog missed shot attempt brought Fresno State within three at 27-24. MSU's Kelli Roehrig kept the Spartans in the driver's seat for much of the half, accounting for 14 points and hurting the Bulldogs down in the post.
Fresno State continued to chip away at Michigan State's lead and eventually found themselves behind by one after Clark recorded consecutive baskets in the final minute of the first half for the 'Dogs. That would be as close as the Bulldogs would get for the rest of the contest, as Michigan State led throughout the second half.
The Spartans found their offense in the second half, racing out to a 22-9 run for their largest lead of the game to that point. Fresno State crept back within 10 points on two occasions but MSU was able to answer both scoring threats. The Spartans did much of their damage down inside, claiming a 40-28 edge in points in the paint.
Fresno State will face either Miami (OH) or Valparaiso in the consolation game on Sunday at 4 p.m. EST/1 p.m. PST. The Bulldog's home opener is scheduled for next Friday, Nov. 29, when Fresno State squares off against Butler in the opening round of the Fresno State Classic.
