In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Michigan State's Lady Spartans edged out a tenacious Colorado State team, securing a spot in the Round of 32 with a 65-62 victory. This game had all the makings of a classic NCAA Tournament showdown, with lead changes, clutch plays, and defensive stands.
The Spartans found themselves trailing for much of the second half, but when the pressure was on, they delivered. Despite a nerve-wracking last-second three-point attempt by the Rams, Michigan State held strong to seal the win.
Next up, they face the No. 4-seeded Oklahoma Sooners. But before we look ahead, let’s dive into how the Spartans pulled off this gritty win.
Colorado State came out firing, especially from beyond the arc, hitting timely threes that kept them in contention. They finished 5-for-18 from deep, slightly outshooting Michigan State’s 4-for-21 performance. The Spartans will need to tighten up their perimeter defense and improve their shooting if they want to continue their tournament journey.
Free throw shooting was another area of concern. MSU shot 61 percent from the line, going 11-for-18. While it's a point to work on, the win overshadowed these struggles.
Kennedy Blair was the undeniable star, tying for a team-high with 18 points and making her presence felt on both ends of the court. Her defensive prowess shone with three critical blocks in the second half, each one pivotal in maintaining the Spartans' edge.
Blair’s all-around game was on full display as she grabbed six rebounds and dished out two assists. One standout moment was a pinpoint pass from near the logo to Ines Sotelo, reminiscent of a Matthew Stafford special, sparking a crucial offensive burst for the Spartans.
Jalyn Brown also stepped up, contributing 13 points and shooting 3-for-6 from three-point range. She set the tone early with a deep triple to open the scoring and came through in the clutch with a key three-pointer in the fourth quarter, giving MSU a much-needed lead.
Grace VanSlooten provided the steady hand Michigan State needed, especially when the game got chaotic. She was a force inside, scoring through contact and sparking a personal 6-0 run in the second quarter. VanSlooten matched Blair’s 18 points, showcasing her ability to thrive under pressure.
As Michigan State prepares for Oklahoma, they’ll need another collective effort from Blair, Brown, and VanSlooten to keep their tournament dreams alive. The Sooners are coming off a dominant win, so the Spartans will need to bring their best game to advance further.