Michigan State University women’s basketball returns to the Breslin Center on Saturday after an 89-78 loss to No. 12 Ohio State on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The No. 23 Spartans (20-8, 10-7 Big Ten) will wrap the 2024-25 regular season to a close as they host the Minnesota Golden Gophers (20-9, 8-9 Big Ten). The first and only matchup between the two programs, both teams will be looking to end their respective seasons to an end on a high note ahead of the NCAA tournament, which both teams should find themselves in come selection Sunday.
The Spartans started strong in year two under head coach Robyn Fralick, mirroring much of last season’s success. Michigan State opened the season 11-0 and has remained in the AP Poll while competing with top teams nationwide.
The Spartans are coming off a double-digit loss to the Buckeyes, a powerhouse in both the Big Ten and national rankings. Some bright spots were to be seen, however, as junior guard Theryn Hallock scored a career-high 29 points on a perfect five-for-five from the three point line.
Three Spartans are averaging double figures, led by junior forward Grace VanSlooten with 15.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Graduate forward Julia Ayrault (14.8) and Hallock (14.4) round out the top scorers.
MSU has built its identity on defense, ranking top-10 nationally in turnovers forced (10th, 22.39 per game) and steals (10th, 12.6 per game). Senior guard Nyla Hampton and senior forward Jaddan Simmons anchor the defense, each averaging over two steals per game.
Minnesota has had a solid season but has struggled in Big Ten play despite keeping its overall losses in single digits. The Golden Gophers sit 12th in the Big Ten, securing wins over Illinois and Indiana but struggling against ranked opponents.
Sophomore guard Grace Grocholski leads Minnesota with 12.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Junior guard Amaya Battle is Minnesota’s only other double-digit scorer, averaging 11.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
MSU will honor four seniors — Julia Ayrault, Jocelyn Tate, Jaddan Simmons and Nyla Hampton — as they suit up for their final regular season game in the green and white. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m.
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