The Spartans already bested Michigan this season, using a dominant second half to secure an 88-58 win on Jan. 25 in Ann Arbor.

Second-year head coach Robyn Fralick is undefeated against Michigan, but the streaky Wolverines could pose a threat. After suffering a 30-point home loss, Michigan now has a clearer understanding of its rival.

Scouting the Wolverines against MSU

Michigan sits eighth in the Big Ten (16-7, 7-5) and enters the matchup on a two-game win streak. The Wolverines defeated Nebraska 78-60 in Lincoln before rolling past Oregon 80-48 in Ann Arbor.

Freshman guard Olivia Olson leads Michigan, averaging 16.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field. The Wolverines also have three other players averaging in the double figures in freshman guard Syla Swords (15), senior guard Jordan Hobbs (12.9), and freshman guard Mila Holloway (10.5).

Michigan thrives on scoring through its freshman guard duo, Olivia Olson and Syla Swords. However, the Wolverines struggle when opponents contain them.

That was the recipe that the Spartans used to roll past the rival in their last meeting, limiting the pair to just 18 points total, mainly at the hands of Olson. Swords on the other hand was a non-factor in the loss, scoring only four points on 1-for-9 shooting. In the matchup it was Hobbs who was the main threat for MSU, scoring a team-leading 15 points.

Michigan’s guard-heavy lineup lacks size, which MSU exploited in their last matchup with a 40-33 rebounding advantage. The Wolverines must find a way to counter this size disparity, as MSU has a strong and large frontcourt in graduate forward Julia Ayrault, junior forward Grace VanSlooten and freshman center Inés Sotelo.

Analyzing the Spartan threats

In just her second season, Fralick has led No. 20 MSU to a historic campaign, sitting fourth in the Big Ten at 18-4 (8-3). MSU is coming off of a 89-75 win against Northwestern in Evanston, but struggled mightily in their last home outing against Oregon, in which they fell 63-59.

On the offensive end, the Spartans have a number of scoring options on any given night, but the scoring threat has been highlighted by three players in double-figure averages. Ayrault leads the team with 16 points per game, followed by VanSlooten (14.4) and junior guard Theryn Hallock (13.6).

Hallock erupted for 25 points against Michigan in their last meeting, with 23 coming in the second half. Quickness on the offensive side of the floor is her defining trait, often being the spark plug for the Spartans when necessary.

It is on the other end of the floor, however, where the Spartans have found their identity. 

Sixth in the NCAA in steals (13.3) and eighth in turnovers forced per game (23.77), Fralick has pushed the team to be defensive-minded, shutting down the scoring opportunities for their opponents.

Much of this identity is seen in a heavy trap defense, which limits the opposing squad from crossing halfcourt comfortably. It also helps the Spartans that they have two players averaging two or more steals per game in senior forward Jocelyn Tate (2.3) and graduate guard Jaddan Simmons (2). 

MSU will host Michigan for the first time this season, seeking a rivalry sweep. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, on FS1.