Slow start sinks Illini on road
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Lacey Simpson flirted with a triple-double, but a slow start doomed Illinois in a 64-43 loss Thursday to Michigan State.
The Illini trailed 10-0 and 22-9, and they fell behind 35-15 at halftime.
"The first four minutes dictated the outcome of this game," Illini coach Jolette Law said. "We didn't come out focused at the tip, and we had a lot of early turnovers. Just like at Iowa on Sunday, you can't put yourself in a hole like that on the road."
Simpson finished with 10 rebounds, a season-high eight steals and six points. The senior passed current Purdue senior FahKara Malone and into fifth on the Big Ten's career steals list. Simpson has 337; Malone 332.
Jenna Smith chipped in 14 points and nine boards, but Illinois turned it over 24 times (16 in the first half).
"Michigan State played good defense, but at the same time we had a lot of unforced turnovers," Law said. "Once we got down I think we tried to make things happen a little too much."
Kalisha Keane led the Spartans with 14 points off the bench.
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