Suzy Merchant's Spartan Defense Stifles Virginia Tech, Wins 57-29
Hines leads four MSU scorers in double-figures with 12 points.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State defense proved to be too much for Virginia Tech on Sunday, as the Spartans defeated the Hokies 57-29 at the Breslin Center. Four Spartans scored in double figures offensively, as MSU improves to 3-0 for the 11th time in program history.
The game went back and forth early with four lead changes, but Michigan State closed the half on a 14-2 run over the final 4:36 to take a 30-16 lead into halftime. The Spartans maintained a comfortable lead in the second half, and grew their lead to as much as 30 with a 13-0 run over nearly a seven minute span late in the game.
Jasmine Hines led the Spartans offensively with 12 points on 6-for-11 shooting in only 19 minutes. Senior Jasmine Thomas, junior Klarissa Bell and sophomore Becca Mills each added 10 points in the win. Senior Courtney Schiffauer grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. Bell and Thomas each had game highs with five assists and three steals.
The Spartans held Virginia Tech to 25.6% from the field and forced 21 turnovers.
The Spartans return to Breslin Center on Wednesday when they host Albany (2-1) at 7:30 p.m.
POST GAME NOTES:
- The Spartans have allowed 117 points (39.0 per game) through the first three games this season. It is the fewest points allowed since the first two seasons on MSU women’s basketball – 94 in 1973-74 and 102 in 1972-73.
- The 29 points by Virginia Tech tied the fewest points scored in Breslin Center history (Michigan on Feb. 19, 2009).
- The 29 points allowed tied for the second fewest allowed by MSU in the 3-point era and seventh lowest all-time.
- It was the fewest points that Virginia Tech has scored in a game in its program’s history (first season - 1976-77).
-The 13 second half points were the fewest allowed by MSU in a half since Northwestern scored 11 in the second half on March 4, 2011.
- MSU committed only eight turnovers; its fewest in a game since having seven at Indiana State on Dec. 8, 2007.
- Jasmine Hines led MSU in scoring for the first time in her career.
- MSU is now 6-0 when Hines scores in double figures in her career.
- It was Jasmine Thomas’ 100th career game at Michigan State.
- It is the first time in Thomas’ career that she has scored in double figures in three straight games.
- Courtney Schiffauer tied her career high with four assists and her nine rebounds tied for the second most in her career.
- Klarissa Bell tied her career high with three steals.
- MSU turned its 21 turnovers forced into a 23-5 edge in points off turnovers.
- Michigan State held a 30-10 advantage in points in the paint.
- Michigan State beat Virginia Tech for the first time, having lost on neutral floors in 1994 and 2000.
- In the month of November, MSU is now 15-1 at the Breslin Center under Coach Merchant.
- Michigan State has held all three opponents this season under 50 points and are now 146-4 all-time when doing so.