Michigan State wasted no time putting Oakland in a hole and never gave the Golden Grizzlies a way out, rolling to a 91-50 win behind a fast start, relentless defense and a steady stream of production from across the roster.
The Spartans came out with the edge from the opening tip, and Theryn Hallock set the early tone. In the first quarter alone, she grabbed four rebounds, had Michigan State’s lone steal, turned that takeaway into a layup and added five points as the Spartans raced ahead 27-8.
The second quarter belonged to freshman Manique Bobongie. She opened with a three-pointer, then kept attacking the paint with two left-handed layups that showed off her touch and confidence. Freshman Lily Williams also made her mark, finishing through contact after a pass from Kennedy Blair, then blocking an Oakland shot and sprinting the floor for another basket on the next possession.
Michigan State’s offense cooled from deep late in the half, but the cushion was already enormous. The Spartans went into halftime up 51-26, with Blair leading the way with 10 points and three assists. Hallock had seven points, four rebounds and three assists, Bobongie had seven points and a team-high six rebounds, and Williams came off the bench with nine points while going 5-for-5 at the line.
The third quarter turned into Kennedy Blair’s stage. After a few calls didn’t go her way, she came out with more force on both ends, ramping up the defense and the rebounding while seeing the floor at a high level. Michigan State opened the second half with a 13-2 run, and Blair kept feeding teammates with sharp passes, including two straight setups for Hallock and a no-look look to Bobongie that just missed.
Williams kept stacking plays on defense, too, rejecting another Oakland shot before later finishing a basket off a Hallock pass. Hallock then took over offensively, scoring 11 points in the quarter and pushing her total to 18 through three periods.
Bobongie helped get things rolling again to start the fourth, finishing a reverse layup off a Blair feed as Michigan State kept stretching the margin. Once the lead became completely secure, the Spartans went deeper into the bench and gave more players a chance to log minutes before the final buzzer sealed the 91-50 blowout.
Hallock finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, including a team-high seven defensive boards, while also adding four assists and two steals. Bobongie followed with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Blair posted 10 points and a team-high eight assists. Kathy-Emma Otto recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Williams led the bench with 12 points while pacing Michigan State with three blocks.
The win moved Michigan State to 3-0.
In Other News...
Mel Tucker Is Trying To Change The Vibe Around Spartan Football
With Washington coming to town, Michigan State has spent the lead-up trying to make sure the atmosphere matches the opponent. Mel Tucker and athletic director Dan Bartholomae have been out in the student community, making the rounds at local bars, speaking directly to students and pushing them to show up and bring some life back to Spartan football. The pitch has gone beyond words, too, with tickets and concession vouchers handed out as part of the effort.
It is the kind of outreach that says the program understands the game-day vibe has become part of the story around this team. Michigan State is trying to tighten the bond between the football program and the Spartan community, and the timing matters with a marquee nonconference game on deck. Whether all of that translates into a fuller student section and a louder stadium will be one of the more interesting things to watch once kickoff arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Ben Roberts Could Change Everything For MSU Against Washington
Michigan States injury report is starting to look a little more encouraging heading into Washington, and the biggest name on it is defensive lineman Ben Roberts. After being sidelined by injury, Roberts has been upgraded to questionable for the matchup, a sign the Spartans may be getting closer to full strength at a spot where depth can matter in a hurry. Cornerbacks Charles Brantley and Tre Bell, along with backup quarterback Cam Fancher, are also in the questionable mix, leaving plenty of uncertainty as the Spartans prepare for a game that could hinge on availability as much as scheme.
Washington has its own injury question to sort through with star quarterback Demond Williams Jr. also listed as questionable, adding another layer to a game already shaped by health concerns on both sides. Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald has said he is hopeful some of the injured players can work their way back later this season, which makes this week feel like more than just a single-game update. For a team trying to stabilize itself, getting Roberts back on the field could be a meaningful step if he is able to go. [Read more 🡒]
Izzo Sees Something Michigan State Fans Will Love In Two Signees
Tom Izzo officially added two more names to Michigan States future this week, welcoming guard Antonio Pemberton and forward-center Jaydn Jenkins after both signed letters of intent with the program. Pemberton arrives as a highly ranked five-star prospect with a reputation for putting the ball in the basket, while Jenkins brings the kind of defensive upside and athleticism that has long appealed to Izzos style of roster building.
Izzo offered his thoughts on both players after the signings, giving Spartans fans a clearer picture of why each fit mattered in the recruiting process. For a program that has always valued toughness, versatility and players who can grow into bigger roles, the pair gives Michigan State a blend of immediate excitement and long-term promise, even if the full impact of the class will take time to unfold. [Read more 🡒]