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Juliann Woodard stands out against Detroit Mercy in blowout win

November 21, 2024
Michigan State University freshman forward Juliann Woodard (33) gets helped up after falling into the crowd during the game against Eastern Michigan University at the Breslin Center on Nov. 11, 2024. The Spartans secured the win, 95-49, against the Eagles.
Michigan State University freshman forward Juliann Woodard (33) gets helped up after falling into the crowd during the game against Eastern Michigan University at the Breslin Center on Nov. 11, 2024. The Spartans secured the win, 95-49, against the Eagles.

Whenever she's on the court, Michigan State women’s basketball freshman forward Juliann Woodard focuses on what's in front of her.  

"I think just focusing on the present and cheering for my teammates," Woodard said. "Nothing's guaranteed. I just think going into the game being ready if my name's called."

MSU defeated Detroit Mercy Wednesday night in a 101-44 blowout. Woodard continued to showcase her usefulness off the bench and controlled both sides of the ball with 17 points, four rebounds and one block. She went 7-for-8 from the field, 3-for-4 from the three and was led MSU in scoring.  

"She’s a great shooter, great scorer," MSU head coach Robyn Fralick said postgame. "She has a real knack for putting the ball in the basket, which that's important. She’s also a really good rebounder. But it’s been fun and she’s really come along."

Woodard understands the importance of getting involved as soon as her name is called on the bench. She's ready to make an impact this season and wants the opportunity.

"I think I just try to get going in some sort of way — whether that's on defense, whether that's on offense, getting rebounds," Woodard said. "I just need to touch, I want to touch the ball."

Woodard’s play has been a pleasant surprise for Fralick and MSU this year, along with a number of other freshman. Her teammates are excited to see her grow and what she can bring to each game as the season progresses. 

"I mean it’s unreal, honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it before," MSU junior forward Grace VanSlooten said. "It’s a lot of fun every time she goes in. I mean, we know she’s going to give us a couple of threes. So it's really fun to watch. She works really hard and nobody I know deserves it more."

Four other Spartans finished with double-digit points to help them remain aggressive on both sides of the ball and control the game.

VanSlooten tallied 16 points and seven rebounds. Graduate guard Jaddan Simmons scored 15 points and grabbed three steals. Junior guard Theryn Hallock notched 11 points and four steals and redshirt freshman guard Kennedy Blair had 10 points and three rebounds. 

MSU will go on the road to Palm Springs, California for the Acrisure Classic. The Spartans will play against University of California on Nov. 26, with tip-off set for 2 p.m. at Acrisure Arena.

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