"There’s a right way to play. There’s a right effort and communication into playing the game the right way," MSU head coach Robyn Fralick said regarding her team’s consistent focus during a blowout win. "For us that always matters, whether it’s close, whether it’s a big lead, there’s just a right way to play. And the reality is, the habits you build today are the habits that are going to show up in a two-point game."

Though WMU struggled in the opening quarter, which resulted in a 31-5 Spartan lead, the Broncos battled back in the second. The scoreboard still showed a 45-22 MSU advantage going into halftime, but WMU actually outscored the Spartans 17-14 in the quarter — the first time MSU has been outscored in a quarter this season.

Sophomore guard Kailey Starks led the charge, scoring seven of her 10 points in the second and helping her team shoot 42.9% from deep in the frame. Meanwhile, Fralick’s squad struggled to put the ball in the basket.

"I just shared that the second quarter was not good enough," Fralick said regarding her halftime speech. "In these games when you get a lead there’s this real art to playing the right way. … I just thought we got away from that."

Nonetheless, even though WMU showed life before halftime, the Spartans were not outscored again. They were led by an efficient, career-high 20-point performance from redshirt senior forward Isaline Alexander, who went a perfect 9-for-9 from the field. It was an inspiring performance from someone who has missed most of the last two seasons due to injuries, appearing in only three games in 2023-24 before missing all of last year.

"After the game in the locker room I specifically pointed out Isa [Alexander], because it’s really hard to be out for two whole seasons and just all the pieces that go with that," Fralick said. "The mental pieces, the emotional pieces, and then keeping your physical body ready for when you do return."

Redshirt sophomore Kennedy Blair also played a pivotal role, finishing with a stuffed stat line of 14 points, eight assists and eight rebounds while reigniting the offense in the third quarter. Her back-to-back and-ones and flashy passing brought the building to life.

"I think it’s just like having fun and being able to just trust my teammates. I think that they’re also used to it at practice," Blair said regarding her passing ability. "When I get into that kind of flow state, then I play my best, and I’m not overthinking stuff and just doing whatever Kennedy does."

Senior forward Grace VanSlooten also made her mark, continuing her early-season success with 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Four Spartans reached double digits, with junior guard Rashunda Jones adding 13.

MSU’s diverse scoring continued, and so did its dominant defense, totaling 17 steals and forcing 29 turnovers that led to 39 points. The Spartans did, however, struggle again rebounding — an area Fralick has repeatedly emphasized. They were outrebounded 43-37, though that comes with the caveat that MSU attempted 23 more field goals.

Losing the rebounding battle likely will not be what fans in attendance remember, but one moment they certainly will is senior guard Theryn Hallock’s electrifying half-court buzzer-beater to end the third quarter after she forced a steal. The shot blew the roof off the arena and sparked a celebration among the team, reflecting the joy that seems to define this group.

"It’s a fun team to coach," Fralick said. "This is a game where you gotta help each other out, and it’s an imperfect game, but when we help each other out, it’s more fun. We all are better."

The Spartans will now prepare for their fifth straight home game, welcoming Eastern Illinois (0-3) to Breslin Center on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. as they look to improve to 5-0.