Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's women's basketball team is set to conclude its four-game homestand against Eastern Kentucky University on Thursday, November 14, at the Breslin Center. The game will be broadcast on B1G+, with Matt Merrifield and Joe DesVergnes providing commentary.

Under head coach Robyn Fralick, MSU has opened the season with a 3-0 record for the second consecutive year. This marks the tenth straight season that Michigan State has achieved such a start since the 2014-15 season.

Eastern Kentucky University currently holds a 1-2 record this season, having secured their first victory against Southern Illinois. The Colonels had earlier faced defeats against LSU and Tennessee State. This upcoming game represents the first-ever meeting between MSU and EKU.

The Spartan defense has been formidable, forcing over 29 turnovers in each of their last three games. Offensively, MSU ranks fifth nationally in assists and seventh in scoring margin. They have maintained an average of over 100 points per game through their first three matches.

Among notable players for Eastern Kentucky are senior Raphaela Toussaint, who is nearing her 1,000th career point, and Alice Recanti, who leads her team in scoring with an average of 9.7 points per game.

For Michigan State, graduate guard/forward Julia Ayrault is approaching a milestone of her own, needing just 55 more points to reach 1,000 career points. Freshman Inés Sotelo made an impact with her performance against Eastern Michigan by scoring double digits for the first time in her college career.

Michigan State's defensive prowess was evident in their recent win over Eastern Michigan where they forced 29 turnovers and limited their opponent to single-digit scoring in multiple quarters. Junior guard Theryn Hallock led MSU with 18 points during that game.

Head coach Robyn Fralick has named Julia Ayrault and Nyla Hampton as team captains for the current season. Ayrault returns as captain for a second year while Hampton joins after transferring from Ball State.

MSU continues to demonstrate offensive strength despite losing two top scorers from last season. Graduate guard/forward Julia Ayrault remains a key player alongside junior guard Theryn Hallock.

Additionally, Grace VanSlooten was named to the Cheryl Miller Award preseason watch list recognizing top small forwards nationwide.

The Spartans' schedule includes playing seven teams ranked in preseason polls and participating in tournaments such as the Acrisure Classic and West Palm Beach Classic later this year.