This is a highly anticipated matchup between Michigan State and Michigan as the two women's teams have a long history between them. In the last seven games, Michigan has won six of them and are on a three-game win streak against Michigan State. The last matchup between the two teams, the Spartans fell 77-67 at the Breslin Center on Feb. 5, 2023. However, MSU leads the overall series 73-25 over Michigan in total games played. 

In the Big Ten, Michigan State is ranked second in scoring offense with an average of 86.9 points per game, while the Wolverines lead in scoring defense and give up an average of 58.8 points per game.

The Wolverines are led by head coach Kim Barnes Arico, who is in her 12th season with the program, and has led a successful women's basketball program these last years. The Wolverines' lead scorer is junior guard Laila Phelia, averaging 15.8 points per game. She is also averaging 1.3 steals per game, the most on the team.

Michigan State will need to keep its energy up in the second half and continue being aggressive on offense against the Wolverines, something the team has seen little success with this season. The Spartans will also have to rebound for second chance points and keep a rhythm. The Spartans are used to bouncing back after game losses but since they are coming off a win, they need to play at a high level throughout the entire game.

The Spartans and Wolverines tip-off will start on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 12 p.m. The matchup is also Alumni Day and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.