MSU's Suzy Merchant takes medical leave of absence

EAST LANSING - Suzy Merchant is taking a medical leave of absence from the Michigan State women's basketball program, the school announced this afternoon.

The 10th-year Spartan coach is taking a leave after Saturday experiencing similar conditions as she did when she fainted on the sidelines during a victory over Illinois earlier this month. Merchant remained in New Jersey for more testing after Saturday's contest at Rutgers.

A time frame for Mechant's return to the program is to be determined.

Couch: Merchant embarrassed by collapse, haunted by her kids' faces

Associate head coach Amaka Agugua will fill in as MSU's interim coach while the 47-year old Merchant is out. Agugua coached the team against Purdue earlier this month when Merchant missed a game.

The Spartans (13-5, 3-2 Big Ten) play at Northwestern at 9 tonight before returning home Sunday for a home contest against Purdue.

Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @brian_calloway.