Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Face No. 18/20 Michigan State On The Road
2/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 7, 2004
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EAST LANSING, Mich. - In mid-January, coming off a heartbreaking loss in overtime to Indiana as well as numerous 20+ point losses, the Wildcats surprised their critics and pushed the nationally-ranked Michigan State Spartans to overtime, only to fall 67-57. Sunday, Northwestern will need that same kind of effort on the road as it faces No. 18/20 MSU once again, only on their home court.
The 'Cats are recovering from a disappointing showing vs. Illinois on Thursday, dropping their 10th Big Ten game of the season, 76-52. The Illini held a substantial advantage in rebounding, 41-28 overall, and had four players in double figures. That included a career-high 26 points for junior Tiffanie Guthrie.
Junior Sarah Kwasinski had a strong game, leading the 'Cats in all major categories. The center scored 12 points and six boards, as well as a game-high five assists and four blocks. Melissa Culver was the other NU player in double figures, chipping in 11.
The Wildcats, who lead the Big Ten in 3-pointers averaged per game with 6.1, tallied seven in the loss. Culver accounted for three from beyond the arc and senior Michelle Zylstra added two.
NU is led by junior Samantha McComb, who averages 11.5 ppg and 3.1 assists. Ifeoma Okonkwo comes in second with 10.3 ppg and a team-high 6.2 rpg, while Kwasinski takes home 8.9 ppg and 5.8 rpg. Freshman Alex Mueller leads the 'Cats in Big Ten scoring, averaging 9.7 ppg in league games.
The Spartans are coming off a decisive 72-47 victory over Wisconsin on Thursday. MSU's leading scorer, Lindsay Bowen (13.4 ppg), scored 10 and added a career high seven assists while tying a career-high four steals in the game. Kelli Roehrig scored 19 points to lead the Spartans.
Sunday's game will be the 46th meeting all-time between the Spartans and the Wildcats. With January's OT win, MSU holds a 23-22 advantage.
