Michigan's women's basketball team secured a season sweep over Michigan State with an 86-65 victory on Sunday at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. After trailing early, the Wolverines turned the game around with strong defense and rebounding to claim their largest win in the rivalry's history. The win improves Michigan to 22-4 overall.
The game began with Michigan State taking control, shooting 8-for-14 from the field to lead 21-15 after the first quarter. Spartans guards Kennedy Blair and Grace VanSlooten each scored seven points in the period, while forward Grace VanSlooten contributed six of MSU's first 10 points.
Momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter, where Michigan outscored MSU 26-9. The Wolverines forced 12 turnovers from the Spartans in that frame alone and held a 10-1 edge in offensive rebounds for the half, leading 41-30 at halftime. Michigan's defensive pressure continued, resulting in 24 total turnovers for MSU.
In the third quarter, Michigan extended its lead to 65-50 by the end, with a 24-20 advantage in the period. The Wolverines maintained control in the fourth, securing the 21-point victory. This marked Michigan's seventh win in its last eight games and contrasted with their earlier overtime win, 93-91, over MSU on February 1.
Injuries marred the contest for Michigan State. Guard Rashunda Jones suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter after her foot got caught on a defender's and was helped to the locker room. Later, in the fourth quarter, Juliann Woodard took a shot to the head, remained on the floor briefly, and was wheeled to the locker room with a possible cut, visibly affecting her teammates.
Michigan, led by coach Kim Barnes Arico, entered the game 21-4 and ranked No. 7 nationally. The team leads the Big Ten in scoring and sits second in point differential. Starting lineups included for Michigan: Olivia Olson, Mila Holloway, Brooke Quarles Daniels, Syla Swords, and Ashley Sofilkanich; for MSU: Rashunda Jones, Jalyn Brown, Kennedy Blair, Grace VanSlooten, and Ines Sotelo.
The victory positions Michigan for a projected No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the highest in program history, surpassing their No. 3 seed in 2022 when they reached the Elite Eight.
