WBB: IPFW Routed By Michigan State

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EAST LANSING, Mich. – The IPFW women's basketball team fell to 3-7 overall with a 64-36 loss at Michigan State on Sunday afternoon. Erin Murphy led IPFW with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

IPFW outscored Michigan State 25-24 in the second half, but a 40-11 deficit after the first 20 minutes put the Mastodons in a deep hole. The 'Dons shot 25 percent from the floor in the opening half (5-20) which included a 0-of-7 effort from 3-point range. The second half evened out as IPFW shot 30 percent compared to just 28 percent from the Spartans.

Murphy was the bright spot for IPFW offensively as she netted 12 points to go along with two rebounds. Amanda Hyde, who battled foul trouble, ended the game with nine points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Michigan State had three players reach double figure scoring totals as Annalise Pickrel led the team with a game-high 15 points. Courtney Schiffauer and Becca Mills were also involved in the offense scoring 10 and 13 points respectively.

Bench points were tied at 17 each as Murphy provided a spark for IPFW and MSU got good minutes from Kiana Johnson and Jasmine Hines.  Johnson had eight points and Hines worked IPFW in the paint with nine points and seven rebounds.

The Spartans lead the country in defensive field goal percentage and it showed on Sunday afternoon as Michigan State forced 22 IPFW turnovers. The Spartans capitalized on the IPFW miscues by scoring 25 points off turnovers compared to just two for IPFW. Michigan State dominated second chance points 19-4 and fast break points 12-3.

The Mastodons will look to shake off this loss as the Detroit Titans come to the Gates Sports Center on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.