West Hartford, Conn.-- The Hartford women's basketball team defeated nationally-ranked Michigan State, 54-51, on Saturday afternoon at Chase Arena in front of a crowd of 2,144. The win improves the Hawks' record to 10-2 and drops the Spartans to 8-4.
MSU's arrival in West Hartford marks the second game in two years that a ranked opponent has played Hartford at the Reich Family Pavilion. The first team to do so was 22nd-ranked Brigham Young on December 2, 2006, who the Hawks defeated, 60-43. Hartford is now 2-0 against ranked opponents at home.
In a thrilling game that saw six score ties and five lead changes, senior Danielle Hood knocked down 19 points to lead the Hawks and pulled down eight boards. With the Spartans' leading scorer, Wade Trophy Watch List Candidate Allyssa DeHaan in foul trouble from the get-go, MSU leaned to Kalisha Keane who posted a game-high 20 points.
Hartford's bench also played a key role in the upset, as the home team outscored Michigan State from the bench, 14-4. Junior Katie Kelley put up eight points, while sophomore Erica Beverly netted six points. Lisa Etienne handed out four assists as well for the game.
The Hawks will next take on #2 Connecticut at the Hartford Civic Center on Saturday, December 29. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.