

EAST LANSING, MI — A high-scoring fourth period from the Buckeyes cemented a home loss for the Michigan State women’s basketball team. Ohio State finished in first, 77-70.
The Lady Spartans are now 7-8 in the Big Ten and on a three loss streak. With the Big Ten championship just weeks away, MSU will need to take its final three games of the season seriously. Two at home and one away, and all three are conference foes.
Spartans coach Suzy Merchant stated that her team needed to make mental adjustments.

“Time is running out. It’s just a group that needs to get a little nastier and mentally tougher. I saw that. I’ve seen it in them.
OSU came out on top of the first period 20-19. Both teams shot 3-6 outside of the circle. Michigan State would only land one more three, and it was late in the game.
The second period played like the first. Sydney Cook led the Spartans with 11 points, eight coming from two point field goals.

For Ohio State, both Aaliyah Patty and Janai Crooms brought in 13 points, bringing on the 35-32 lead.
The third period went to the home team. Seven shots from the foul line for six points gave them an edge and took a close lead. MSU 52 OSU 50 would be the last lead for Michigan State.
Foul shots handed the Lady Buckeyes 10 of their 27 points to get the win in the fourth. Shay Colley hit a three for MSU but the team would miss five others from far out.
“From a basketball perspective, it’s frustrating knowing that we were doing well earlier and at the end of the year when we’re supposed to be closing out on a good note,” said Nia Clouden.
Clouden scored 23 points, the most for the Spartans.

“It’s kind of like, not slipping away, but we could be playing better than we are right now,”
This was the first home loss of the season for MSU.
Scores By Quarter
OSU 20 15 15 27 – 77
MSU 19 13 20 18 -70