EAST LANSING, Mich. – The University of Evansville women's basketball team struggled with the Michigan State Spartan's size and finish in Sunday afternoon's game. 

The Aces offense never quite found its rhythm in a tough matchup with the Spartans in East Lansing. Point guard Kynidi Mason Striverson was the only UE player to score in double-figures with 16 points in 33 minutes of action. Redshirt senior Celine Dupont led the way on defense with seven rebounds and three assists.  

The Aces struggled early at the Breslin Center, only shooting 15% from the field over the first quarter. UE found most of its production in the paint from its forwards in the first ten minutes. Freshman forward Neveah Thomas and redshirt senior forward Celine Dupont had Evansville's only four points in the quarter.

UE found its offense in the second quarter, improving to 38.5% shooting from the floor and making a three. Junior forward Alana Striverson broke out for the Aces, making five points in under 20 seconds in the final two minutes of the first half. Striverson made Evansville's lone three of the half from just outside the right side of the arc. UE headed into the break trailing 51-20.

 Things didn't get any easier for the Aces in the third as they again struggled to get in the basket. Guard Julia Palomo had Evansville's first points of the half with a second-chance layup three minutes in. Point guard Kynidi Mason Striverson led UE in the quarter with eight points on 62.5% shooting. 

The Aces closed out the game focusing on defense. Forward Maggie Hartwig put in two baskets to lead Evansville with four points. UE's entire bench made it into the game through the fourth quarter while point guard Tene Smith scored her first basket of the season. Smith ended the game for the Aces with a bank in three in the final five seconds. 

Evansville shot 17-61 (27.9%) from the floor and 12-15 (80%) from the free throw line. UE had six assists as well across the floor. On defense, the Aces pulled down 30 rebounds, grabbed two steals, and made three blocks. Evansville benefited from 11 second-chance points compared to the Spartans seven. 

The Aces get a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday and return to action on Sunday, Nov. 26. UE travels to the Windy City to take on the Chicago State Cougars. Tip-off from Chicago is set for 1 p.m. on the 26th.