MSU started off hot and never looked back by outscoring the Boilermakers 20-14 in the first quarter. In the second, the Spartans put on a strong defensive effort by only allowing the Boilermakers to eight points. 

The Spartans struggled early on, but forced the Boilermakers into two early turnovers which resulted into redshirt sophomore guard Shay Colley’s first basket. The Spartans would go on a 9-0 run and take an 18-12 lead. The Spartans were lockdown on defense this afternoon as the team forced 10 turnovers in the first half.

The Boilermakers started off hot in the second half as they cut the lead to 52-50 with 2:19 remaining in the third. MSU quickly called a timeout and led to free-throw line opportunities for Colley to make it, 54-52. Momentum shifted right back to the Spartans as redshirt senior Branndais Agee buried a 3-pointer to end the quarter to give MSU the lead at, 57-52.

The Spartans would go on a 10-0 run in the fourth as Colley scored six-straight points in the fourth. Colley would go on to score 13 of her 21 points in the fourth.

This was Colley’s second game back after an apparent knee injury where she dropped 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists. MSU had four players in double figures including junior Jenna Allen, sophomore Taryn McCutcheon and senior Taya Reimer.

Allen recorded 15 points in returning to her home state, while McCutcheon dropped 14 points and five assists. Reimer scored 11 points and brought down five boards.

The Spartans now wait for the upcoming seeding in the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana which will be held from Feb. 28 to March 4.