Lansing Sun

Trailing by 16 points in the third period, Michigan State staged a comeback to defeat California 78-72 at the Acrisure Classic in Palm Springs. This victory marked Michigan State's seventh consecutive win under head coach Robyn Fralick.

Graduate guard/forward Julia Ayrault played a pivotal role, scoring a season-high 22 points and reaching the 1,000-point milestone with a crucial free throw in the final seconds. "Ayrault became the 31st member of the Michigan State 1,000-point club," as noted in the game summary. Her performance included nine rebounds and four blocks.

Junior guard Theryn Hallock contributed with 15 points, while junior forward Grace VanSlooten added 13 points and seven rebounds. Graduate guard Nyla Hampton scored ten points off the bench for MSU.

California suffered its first loss of the season despite Lulu Twidale's team-leading 20 points and six rebounds. The Bears initially led after an early run but could not maintain their advantage against MSU's rally.

Michigan State will face Vanderbilt next in the Acrisure Classic championship game on November 27th.

The Spartans' victory extended their regular-season winning streak to twelve games, dating back to last year. Their comeback from a significant deficit was reminiscent of a similar rally against Penn State in February 2017.

MSU maintained their lead over Cal in their limited series history at two wins to one loss. Despite scoring only five points in the second quarter—tying a record low set earlier this month—the Spartans secured their narrowest margin of victory this season.