What a night for Michigan State! They dominated No. 15 Ole Miss with a convincing 66-49 victory on Monday night in the Cherokee Invitational title game. This wasn't just any win; it was a statement.
The Spartans, ranked No. 24, showcased their strength, especially in the crucial third quarter. Rashunda Jones was on fire, scoring 8 of her 13 points during this decisive period. Grace VanSlooten, a key player for Michigan State, achieved a double-double, demonstrating her all-around skills.
The game started with Michigan State leading 26-20 at halftime. They then surged ahead, scoring the first 4 points of the third quarter. While Ole Miss attempted to close the gap, cutting the deficit to 30-25, the Spartans responded with a powerful 17-7 run, creating a significant 49-32 lead heading into the final quarter. Jones's sharp shooting, including two 3-pointers, and Kennedy Blair's contribution of all 7 of her points in the third quarter were instrumental. Michigan State's impressive 69% shooting (9 of 13) in the third quarter was a key factor in their success.
VanSlooten's outstanding performance included 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. Isaline Alexander also contributed significantly with 12 points for Michigan State, solidifying their strong performance.
On the other side, Cotie McMahon led Ole Miss with 13 points, but the team struggled, shooting only 33% (17 of 51) overall. Their long-range shooting was particularly off, missing 15 of their 17 three-point attempts.
But here's where it gets interesting: Looking back at the tournament's lead-up, Michigan State had previously routed Indiana State with a massive 115-66 win. Meanwhile, Ole Miss had a strong showing against Old Dominion, winning 86-57.
What does this victory mean for Michigan State? They're clearly a team to watch.
Up Next: Michigan State will host Rutgers on Sunday, while Ole Miss will play at home against Alcorn State on the same day.
Final Thought: Do you think Michigan State's performance signals a shift in the rankings? What strategies do you think Ole Miss could employ to improve their shooting accuracy in future games? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
