In a game that came down to one shot, the Illinois women’s basketball team lost a nail-biter to Michigan State at State Farm Center on Wednesday night.

Following a Michigan State miss at the free-throw line, Illinois (14-15, 5-12 Big Ten) came down the court with a chance to tie or take the lead. Senior guard Brittany Carter put up a 3-point attempt that would have won it, but couldn’t knock it down as time ran out on the Illini’s comeback. The 67-65 loss marked Illinois’ second loss to Michigan State (14-14, 6-11) this season.

“We showed a lot of heart and energy,” head coach Matt Bollant said. “I was proud of our execution in the buzz (defense), but it was not quite enough to get it done tonight.”

After a 42-point first half, Illinois held Michigan State to just 25 points in the second half during its comeback effort. On the strength of four 3-pointers from four different players, the Illini started the second half on a 15-7 run to pull within three of the Spartans with 10 minutes to play.

The Spartans answered the Illini’s run, though. After nailing four 3-pointers in the first half, Michigan State guard Tori Jankoska knocked down threes on back-to-back possessions to put the Spartans back up by seven.

Things looked bleak for Illinois as an airball from junior guard Kyley Simmons took the life out of the crowd with less than two minutes remaining in the contest. However, back-to-back baskets off loose balls brought Illinois right back in it and triggered an 8-2 run.

On the strength of their trapping defense, the Illini forced 34 turnovers, which allowed them to keep it within single-digits for most of the second half.

“That’s what the buzz does to other teams,” sophomore forward Jacqui Grant said. “We were playing it really aggressive. That gave us some energy and that’s what helped us get back in it.”

Despite missing the potential game-winning shot, Carter was the Illini’s most efficient scorer with 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Senior guard Ivory Crawford led all Illini with 18 points, but did it on 7-of-23 shooting.

“I was just more worried about what’s next,” Crawford said. “Even though I was tired, I didn’t let that stop me.”

The Spartans started off the game on fire from beyond the 3-point line, knocking down five threes within the first six minutes of play. Jankoska led the 3-point barrage, nailing her first three attempts from beyond the arc. She finished the game with 24 points to lead all scorers.

Despite the tough loss, Bollant said he is happy with the way his team fought back to nearly pull off another comeback win.

“I think that says a lot about their resiliency and heart,” Bollant said. “They haven’t hung their head. They stay with it and keep fighting and keep believing.”

[email protected]

@joeyfigueroa3