Tech Falls at Michigan State 74-43 in WBB Exhibition

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Tech women's basketball team battled the Michigan State Spartans close for three and a half quarters before falling 74-43 at the Breslin Center today in exhibition action.

The Huskies pulled within 51-40 with eight minutes to play on Danielle Blake's three-point play. The Black and Gold got a defensive stop on the other end, but the Spartans' Tori Jankoska stole the ball from and made a layup. They got another steal and basket to push the margin to 15 before Tech had the ball in the frontcourt again.

MSU went on to finish the game on a 23-3 run. Morgan Anderson's 3-pointer was the only basket for her team down the stretch.

"We were right there, but State showed why they're one of the top teams in the country," said Tech coach Kim Cameron. "The margin went from 11 to 20 quickly, and that's what they're capable of.

"I was happy with how we competed. We've got a veteran group of players who didn't back down. I just wish we could have shot the ball a little better."

Tech had one more field goal attempt than MSU in the game, but shot only 30 percent to the Spartans' 46. The hosts also held a 45-27 rebounding edge.

Anderson totaled 20 points with 8-of-17 shooting including four 3-pointers. Brenna Heise added six points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Michigan Tech trailed 17-9 after one quarter and 33-21 at the break.

The Huskies stayed within 13 after 30 minutes and cut the margin to 11 with 8:38 to go. The Spartans pushed the gap to 60-40 by the 5:33 mark and cruised to the win from there.

Michigan Tech will officially open its 2015-16 season at home on Saturday (Nov. 14) with a 2 p.m. tipoff against Minnesota Duluth.