EAST LANSING— No. 13 Michigan State women’s basketball was defeated by rival No. 9 Michigan Sunday in an overtime thriller. After sophomore center Ines Sotelo’s half-court heave spun out of the rim, five more minutes were needed, and the Wolverines would prevail 94-91.
In a game that never saw either team lead by double digits, there were plenty of opportunities for both teams to win this game, but it was Michigan who would make the final key plays. Here are three takeaways from the afternoon bout.
Excellent performances on both sides
Both teams had multiple players erupting for over 20 points. For the Spartans, sophomore guard Kennedy Blair and junior guard Jalyn Brown dropped 21 apiece. For Michigan, sophomore guards Olivia Olson and Mila Holloway dropped 23 and 26 points each. Holloway dropped a career high, and was extremely efficient, shooting 11/16 from the field. Holloway hit three late in the fourth to give Michigan the lead and then tied the game in overtime. Olson hit a shot plus the foul and then a three pointer in overtime that would give the Wolverines a lead they would not give up.
“She is so even keeled. She just has an incredible demeanor to be in that position. And she’s just growing and growing as well. She’s only a sophomore and she was able to do what she did on the big stage tonight,” Michigan head coach Kim Barnes Arico said. “I just think her demeanor is perfect for the position that she plays and she never gets too high or too low, and I think that really helps our team, and she’s just ready for the next play and can really play at that level.”
For the Spartans, Jalyn Brown had 17 in the first half, while Blair scored 13 points after halftime. Blair struggled to hold on to the ball with seven turnovers but made several key shots, including the shot that sent the game to overtime. Blair also added ten rebounds, giving her another double-double this season.
Efficient shot-making from both teams
This game saw a lot of scoring, and both teams shot well from the field. Michigan shot 57% from the field and 41% from deep, while the Spartans shot 51% overall and 46% from three. Shots were falling all day, and neither team could get many stops without forcing turnovers. Michigan had 20 turnovers and MSU had 18, but when someone got a shot up, it usually went in. Both teams also had double-digit offensive boards, keeping possessions alive and adding to the scoring. Michigan only struggled to shoot from the line, shooting 13-25 on the day.
Every time one team went on a run, the other would come right back at them. The Wolverines were perfect from the field in overtime, making all four of their shot attempts. Neither team shot under 50% in a quarter until OT, where the Spartans shot just 25%. In a game where just one play going differently completely alters the game, every shot counts. Michigan made the clutch plays at the end and was able to come away with the win.
Packed house and what this means for women’s basketball
MSU head coach Robyn Fralick challenged fans to show up, and they certainly did. The Breslin Center was packed, with over 11,000 fans in attendance. The game was also on national TV, attracting lots of eyeballs for the first game in the rivalry with both teams ranked in the top 15. The crowd was electric from start to finish, and coaches and players were thrilled with the turnout.
“Just to see all those little girls look up to you, I think everybody on that court can agree that’s something that warms your heart, and we’re all really thankful to be in this position,” Blair said postgame. ”Just being a good role model and showing kids, especially my story, that you can do anything that you put your mind to. Even if people don’t think you can do it, you can do it.”
Women’s basketball has been growing for years now, especially at the collegiate level. More games like this will certainly attract more eyeballs, and people invested in the product on display.
“These women are incredible, so athletic, so strong, so fierce, so tough. And we’re going to keep seeing that. This league is worthy of your time to come and watch, and our crowd tonight was awesome,” Fralick said. ” They willed us back a number of times when Michigan went on a run. The crowd really kind of willed us back into the game. So, I think it’s great for the game.”
MSU fell to 19-3 and 8-3 in the Big Ten with the loss, while Michigan rose to 19-3 and 10-1 in conference play. The rivals will see each other in two weeks in Ann Arbor. MSU has a short turnaround, as they are back in action hosting Maryland Wednesday night at the Breslin Center. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET.
