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Sports | Basketball

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU regroups late, avoids collapse in 74-68 win over USC

Michigan State women’s basketball survived a frantic fourth-quarter scare to defeat USC 74-68 at Breslin Center. The Spartans saw a double-digit lead nearly disappear before redshirt sophomore Kennedy Blair’s clutch and-one and senior Grace VanSlooten’s late steal sealed the victory. Despite shooting just 38.2% from the field, Michigan State’s defense and 19-for-24 free-throw shooting underscored a team message of resilience that has defined its season.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball drops road test vs. No. 11 Iowa

Michigan State women’s basketball walked into one of the Big Ten’s toughest road environments knowing it would be tested. Early foul trouble disrupted the Spartans’ rhythm, forcing key players to the bench and leaving MSU playing catch-up the rest of the night. Despite a stronger second half and a late push led by Rashunda Jones, Michigan State could not overcome its first-half deficit, falling 75-68 to No. 11 Iowa. The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak and highlighted the thin margin for error when facing elite opponents on the road.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU women’s basketball grinds out 73-71 win over No. 24 Nebraska

Michigan State survived a thrilling late-game showdown with No. 24 Nebraska, edging the Cornhuskers 73-71 to secure a program-best 17-1 start. Junior guard Rashunda Jones and sophomore forward Juliann Woodard delivered clutch free throws in the final seconds, while senior guard Jalyn Brown made two critical defensive stops and hit a game-tying 3-pointer to keep the Spartans in control. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, MSU found ways to win, highlighting depth, resilience, and the advantage of playing at home under head coach Robyn Fralick’s dominant 35-4 record at the Breslin Center. The victory sets the stage for a road test Sunday against No. 11 Iowa in Iowa City.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Fears struggles from field as MSU falls to No. 4 Duke

MSU struggled offensively as starting guards Jeremy Fears Jr. and Kur Teng combined for 0-for-15 from the field, though Fears contributed 13 assists and perfect free-throw shooting. Senior center Carson Cooper led the way with 16 points and 16 rebounds, supported by Jaxon Kohler and Coen Carr, but the Spartans’ scoring woes prevented them from gaining an edge.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU basketball falls to Duke and its late-game zone defense

Michigan State battled Duke in a back-and-forth game but ultimately fell 66–60 after struggling late on offense and failing to counter Duke’s effective zone defense. Despite strong individual efforts — including Cooper’s standout defense on Cameron Boozer — the Spartans couldn’t maintain their early rhythm, leaving them close, but not close enough.