Michigan State Ends Minnesota’s Winning Streak
In a decisive showdown on Sunday night, No. 18 Michigan State brought a halt to No. 23 Minnesota’s impressive nine-game victory run, securing a 75-61 win in Minneapolis. The Spartans showcased their prowess with standout performances, led by Jalyn Brown who contributed 20 points, shooting 8 for 14 from the field and adding two successful three-pointers alongside her two free throws.
Kennedy Blair also had a notable game, scoring 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting, complemented by a perfect 6 for 6 at the free-throw line. Additionally, Blair recorded eight rebounds, six assists, and five steals, underscoring her multifaceted contribution to the team. Freshman Amy Terrian came off the bench to add depth, hitting three three-pointers for a total of 11 points. Grace VanSlooten rounded out the notable performances with 10 points and six rebounds.
Golden Gophers’ Efforts
On the other side, Tori McKinney led the charge for Minnesota with a career-high 29 points, including five shots from beyond the arc. Amaya Battle and Sophie Hart also made significant contributions, scoring 11 points with seven rebounds and 10 points with nine rebounds respectively.
The Golden Gophers started strong, with McKinney’s early offensive output helping them establish a 16-10 lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, McKinney had accounted for half of the team’s 36 points, although Minnesota saw their 10-point advantage dwindle down to just two by the break.
Spartans’ Comeback
Despite a slow start in the third quarter, where the Spartans found themselves down by eight after another McKinney three-pointer, they rallied late in the period. A 12-1 run, fueled by back-to-back threes from Terrian and Brown, allowed Michigan State to take a 58-49 lead into the final quarter. Throughout the last ten minutes, Minnesota struggled to close the gap, never getting within six points.
Shooting Efficiency and Bench Strength
In terms of shooting efficiency, the Spartans were highly effective, posting a 55.6% field goal percentage compared to Minnesota’s 33.3%. The bench points heavily favored Michigan State, who outscored Minnesota’s reserves 24 to 2, reflecting the strength of their overall team depth.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Minnesota is scheduled to face Illinois for their regular-season finale next Sunday, while Michigan State will play host to No. 10 Ohio State, wrapping up their regular season.
