In-state rivalries are always a big deal, and No. 21 Michigan State University women’s basketball junior forward Theryn Hallock knows the importance of these matchups.
"For me, growing up as a Spartan, this is a very important game," Hallock said.
Theryn Hallock's explosive second half powers MSU women's basketball to win over Michigan
Michigan State junior guard Theryn Hallock (4) dribbles the ball across the court while Penn State redshirt sophomore guard Moriah Murray (3) watches at the Breslin Center on Jan. 22, 2025. The Spartans defeated the Nittany Lions 82-61.
Hallock has a family full of Spartans, her father, Ty Hallock and two brothers Tanner and Tate were Spartan football alumni. She has continued the family tradition and legacy.
The Spartans extended their five-game winning streak with a dominant 88-58 victory over rival No. 24 Michigan. This marked the first time both teams were ranked when facing off.
Michigan State got off to a slow start in the first half, with Hallock contributing just two points in the second quarter. However, her speed and energy came alive in the third quarter, where she scored 14 points to ignite the Spartan offense. She finished the game with a team-high 25 points.
"This game is just so special," Hallock said. "I love rivalries, but I give all the credit to my teammates. They got me open and threw it to me in transition and they took care of (the ball) as well. I'm just super proud to be playing with them. I obviously did a good job, but I give a lot of credit to my teammates and I'm just super proud of our team."
Hallock’s transition speed has been a game-changer for the Spartans, as seen in the team’s recent win over Illinois, where she scored a career-high 26 points and added four steals, and in their victory against Penn State.
"She's electric and she can change the game so fast," MSU head coach Robyn Fralick said. "She can score so fast. She's a really tough matchup, especially in the open court. Recently we've made some adjustments within our team and moved her much more off the ball. I think that's helped us, too, where she's able to get loose in transition and get behind the defense."
The Spartans dominated the second half, outscoring Michigan 59-25. Several players contributed to the win, including graduate forward Julia Ayrault, who posted 18 points and 13 rebounds, junior forward Grace VanSlooten with 18 points and 8 rebounds, and graduate guard Jaddan Simmons with 11 points and 6 rebounds.
The Spartans will return to East Lansing to face Oregon at the Breslin Center on Thursday, Jan. 30. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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