Michigan State trounces Oakland in season opener

Faith Flickinger, Women's Basketball Beat Reporter

November 9, 2023

MSU junior guard DeeDee Hagemann takes and makes a three-pointer against Oakland on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at the Breslin Center.

EAST LANSING – In Michigan State’s season opener, the Spartans hosted Oakland, capturing an 87-62 victory at the Breslin Center.

The matchup marked the 23rd meeting between the two sides and the 16th consecutive victory for MSU.

The game tipped off with a physical first quarter. There were 12 turnovers and seven fouls between the two teams. The quarter finished with a turnover and a layup from junior guard DeeDee Hagemann, finishing the quarter with MSU ahead, 16-15.

The competitiveness carried over into the second quarter. Tensions were high and the game was close. There was some shoving and fighting for the ball between the Spartans and the Grizzlies.

“I told them to settle down,” said Michigan State head coach Robyn Fralick.

MSU Head Coach Robyn Fralick talks to sophomore guard Theryn Hallock during MSU’s matchup against Oakland on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at the Breslin Center. (Jack Moreland)

The Spartans were able to pull away after gaining some momentum. MSU got its first double-digit lead of the game with a three-pointer from sophomore guard Abbey Kimball and finished the quarter out with a 12-point lead, 41-29.

In the third quarter, MSU expanded its lead to 33 points and took control of the game quickly.

“There’s a lot of good film for us to take to improve,” Fralick said. “That’s kind of what the beginning of the season is.”

There was a familiar face on Oakland’s bench. Sophomore guard Maddy Skorupski recorded 14 points. Skorupski transferred after last season and appeared in five games for MSU.

“It’s just a game,” Hagemann said. “I feel like last year me and Maddy had a relationship, and I mean that continuously if we’re opponents or teammates or not.”

Hagemann was the stand-out player of the game offensively. She led the Spartans with 23 points.

MSU guards Moira Joiner (22) and DeeDee Hagemann shot a combined 9-13 from three-point range against Oakland on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at the Breslin Center. (Jack Moreland)

“I thought when she got going and she shot it really well that was big,” Fralick said. “That second and third quarter for us were the separators in the game.”

During the summer, Hagemann worked on consistency with her three-pointers.

“She [Fralick] said if I get my three down packed then it’s going to be very hard to guard me and I feel like today it kinda showed that,” Hagemann said.

Up next, MSU will host Wright State on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2:00 p.m. ET.