Feb. 21, 2008

Final Stats |  Quotes |  Notes

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State women's basketball team led wire-to-wire, as they won their fourth-straight, with a 65-40 victory over Northwestern tonight at the Breslin Center. The Spartans, who improve to 17-11 overall and 9-7 in the Big Ten, were led by 20 points and six rebounds from sophomore Allyssa DeHaan, her fifth 20-point effort of the season and 10th of her career.

The Spartans took their biggest lead into the locker room into the half, 40-18. DeHaan led the first half offensive effort with 12 points on 6-for-7 shooting, as Michigan State shot 57.1% (16-28) as a team. The game started off tight with the Spartans up 12-11 with 13:55 on the first half clock. From there, MSU would pull away by holding Northwestern to one point over the next 4:56 and open up a 21-12 lead. The Wildcats hung tight, but a 15-2 run over the final 5:39 of the half would prove to be the difference.

Northwestern would get no closer than 19 points in the second half, as Michigan State held ground for the win.

Freshman Brittney Thomas added 13 points and eight rebounds, while junior Mia Johnson dished out a game-high and season-high five assists.

The Spartan defense was solid all night, holding the Wildcats to 26.3% (15-57) from the floor, including an 0-12 line from behind the arc. MSU also forced 16 turnovers off 10 steals.

Michigan State looks to continue its winning ways on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Purdue. The Spartans and Boilermakers are set to tip-off on ESPN2 at 1 p.m. ET.