Michigan State Women’s Basketball Dominates Michigan Tech 100-53 in Exhibition

Michigan State women’s basketball is back, and the Spartans made a statement in their first game of the season, dominating Michigan Tech 100-53 in an exhibition matchup at the Breslin Center.

Michigan State controlled the game from beginning to end, with freshmen and veterans alike showcasing their talent in an impressive team performance.

Overall, the Spartans shot nearly 60% from the field and 30% from three-point range. They also received 39 points from the bench, scored 56 points in the paint and added 15 fast-break points, highlighting their offensive depth and ability to attack in multiple ways.

Freshman Monique Bobongie led all Spartans in scoring with 21 points, putting the Big Ten on notice with her ability to score both inside and outside. She also showed tremendous tenacity when pursuing the ball. Bobongie shot 9-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-6 from three-point range, and led the team with seven rebounds.

Carter McCray finished second on the team with 20 points, leading all bench players. McCray was nearly unstoppable from the field, shooting 8-of-9 overall and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. She also contributed four rebounds, an assist and a steal.

The veterans got in on the action as well. Theryn Hallock returned from an injury that caused her to miss almost the entire season last year. She played 25 minutes and finished with 11 points, shooting 3-of-4 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Haylock also led the team with three steals and tied for the team lead with five assists.

Kennedy Blair, who was named to the Nancy Lieberman Award’s top 20 point guard watch list, also finished with five assists. She played 25 minutes, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, 1-of-2 from three-point range and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. Blair added two steals, the second-most on the team, and grabbed six rebounds.

The Spartans were able to prove just how good this team could be this year, showing off their depth and talent throughout the exhibition.

It is not just Kennedy Blair and the supporting cast anymore. With Haylock returning to the lineup and incoming freshmen from overseas ready to prove themselves, Michigan State has plenty of players capable of making an impact.

This team has a spunk like no other. Last season, the Spartans started with a program-best 17-1 record before the second half of the season took its toll. This year, Michigan State will look to outlast its opponents, maintain its stamina and make a serious run in the NCAA Tournament.

The Spartans will have to carry this momentum into the regular season, where the competition will only get tougher.

That journey begins Tuesday, Nov. 3, when Michigan State opens its regular-season schedule against Valparaiso.