Saturday, April 4, 2026

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

Sports | Basketball Men's 1027

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Woodard’s second-half shooting clinic fuels 101-53 MSU win

Sophomore forward Juliann Woodard provided the spark Michigan State didn’t know it needed, exploding for 17 points in just under 14 minutes to fuel a dominant 101-53 victory. The Spartans overwhelmed their opponent with relentless pressure, forcing 27 turnovers and turning them into 33 points while committing just six themselves — further strengthening the nation’s best turnover margin. Behind Woodard’s scorching second-half shooting, Grace VanSlooten’s steady production and Kennedy Blair’s career-high 15 rebounds, MSU’s depth and defense proved too much to overcome. Even with a late-game injury scare for VanSlooten, the Spartans’ bench and energy carried a statement win at Breslin Center.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Isa Alexander shines after two years of injury setbacks

Redshirt senior Isaline “Isa” Alexander has returned to full form this season, highlighted by a 20-point, 9-for-9 shooting performance against Western Michigan. Her performance capped a two-year comeback from multiple injuries that kept her largely off the floor and forced her to rebuild both physically and mentally. Alexander’s dedication, discipline and newfound perspective on the game have not only strengthened her basketball IQ but also inspired teammates like Kennedy Blair. Playing a full season for the first time since 2022-23, Alexander is relishing the chance to contribute while reflecting on the journey that brought her back.

FOOTBALL

MSU offensive line must improve to protect its future

Michigan State football and its offensive line has been anything but productive this season. It's been inefficient and inconsistent, ranks at the bottom of the FBS statically and has lost MSU game after game. In order for MSU to have a future, the offensive line must protect it.

SPORTS

MSU athletics battles through highs and lows across the board

From statement wins to tough losses, Michigan State athletics delivered another packed week across campus. Men’s basketball kept its early momentum but showed lingering concerns at the free-throw and three-point lines. No. 1 MSU hockey stayed perfect in Big Ten play with a road sweep at Notre Dame, while football’s skid extended despite a breakout performance from Elijah Tau-Tolliver. Women’s soccer rolled into the NCAA second round for the first time at home, and women’s hoops continued its dominant, high-pressure start behind a flawless outing from Isaline Alexander. Elsewhere, volleyball stumbled in two high-pressure matchups, cross country secured multiple All-Region honors and an NCAA bid, wrestling split its opening duals, and men’s tennis made program history with two seeded NCAA qualifiers.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball dominance leads to 4-0 start

Michigan State wasted no time overpowering Western Michigan, exploding out to an 18-0 start and never looking back in a dominant 98-44 win. A perfect 9-for-9 career-high performance from Isaline Alexander and a spark-filled night from Kennedy Blair fueled the Spartans’ surge, pushing MSU to a 4-0 start behind its most complete showing of the season.

FOOTBALL

MSU’s losing streak extends to seven as offense struggles to find consistency

Michigan State opened its final home game with a 57-yard jolt of energy, but the spark didn’t last. Behind an inconsistent offense, protection issues and a late collapse, the Spartans fell 28-10 to Penn State, ending their bowl hopes for the fourth straight season. Elijah Tau-Tolliver’s breakout performance kept MSU afloat, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a dominant Nittany Lion front and a inefficiency to convert on third down.

FOOTBALL

MSU's defense fades in 28-10 loss to Penn State

In Michigan States 28-10 loss to Penn State, its defense clawed and fought play after play. For three quarters it did this, playing with motivation and a willingness to get off the field. But when the fourth quarter began, these traits disappeared, and Penn State and its offense took advantage.

SPORTS

Pantheon 2025 levels up MSU’s Esports scene

MSU’s annual Pantheon esports tournament brought together 24 collegiate teams for a weekend of high-level competition across Rocket League, Valorant and Smash. The event showcased the growth of esports on campus and the expanding community behind it.