Friday, December 5, 2025

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

Sports | Women's Basketball

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Blair’s 25-point career day surges MSU women's basketball to 6-0 start

Tyler Gaylord
November 23, 2025

Behind a dominant 102-41 win over Oakland was a career night from Kennedy Blair and a continued defensive dominance. The redshirt sophomore poured in 25 points in just three quarters, fueling a second-quarter explosion that erased an uneven start and showcased why this Michigan State team thrives on pressure and pace. While questions lingered early around MSU’s offensive consistency and Grace VanSlooten’s health, the Spartans’ depth, defensive intensity and Blair’s all-around performance highlighted a group beginning to find its rhythm ahead of a challenging stretch on the road.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

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

Tyler Gaylord
November 21, 2025

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

Tyler Gaylord
November 20, 2025

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.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

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

Tyler Gaylord
November 16, 2025

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.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU’s dominant defense continues as shooting heats up in 96-52 victory

Tyler Gaylord
November 12, 2025

No. 24 Michigan State continued its early-season dominance Wednesday night, cruising to a 96-52 win over Youngstown State behind another stifling defensive effort and a breakout shooting performance. The Spartans forced 27 turnovers, hauled in eight offensive rebounds in a gritty second quarter, and saw four players score in double figures — all trademarks of Robyn Fralick’s “team ball” mentality.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU's suffocating defense leads to dominating season opener victory

Tyler Gaylord
November 5, 2025

Michigan State women’s basketball opened its season with a record-setting performance, smothering Mercyhurst 125-39 behind a relentless full-court defense that forced 36 turnovers and produced 62 points off takeaways. Head coach Robyn Fralick’s squad showcased its trademark intensity from start to finish, highlighted by standout performances from freshman guard Amy Terrain and veterans Theryn Hallock and Grace VanSlooten. With the win, MSU not only set a program scoring record but also sent a clear message — this year’s team plans to defend and dominate.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Women’s Basketball ranked No. 23 in preseason AP Poll

Tyler Gaylord
October 14, 2025

Michigan State women’s basketball enters the 2024–25 season ranked No. 23 in the preseason AP Top 25, marking the first time under head coach Robyn Fralick the program has opened the year nationally ranked. Despite graduating guard Julia Ayrault, the Spartans return key contributors Grace VanSlooten and Theryn Hallock while adding several experienced transfers and promising freshmen. MSU will open its season with an exhibition against Michigan Tech on Oct. 22 at the Breslin Center.