Lansing Sun

The Michigan State women's basketball team is set to return to the court following a holiday break, facing off against No. 8 Maryland on Sunday, December 29 at the XFINITY Center. The game will be available for streaming on B1G+.

Michigan State, currently ranked No. 19 in both major polls, aims to rebound from their first loss of the season against Alabama on December 20. The Spartans have an overall record of 11-1 and are undefeated in Big Ten play at 1-0. This upcoming match marks their first Big Ten road game of the season.

Maryland remains one of eight undefeated teams in NCAA Division I, holding an impressive 11-0 record. They are one of three Big Ten teams yet to lose this season, alongside Ohio State and UCLA.

Historically, Michigan State has struggled against Maryland with a series record standing at 18-3 in favor of the Terrapins. However, the Spartans managed a victory last season with a scoreline of 74-69 in East Lansing.

In their previous encounter against Maryland on January 9, Michigan State secured a win thanks to significant contributions from several players including Julia Ayrault and Moira Joiner who each scored 20 points.

Defensively strong throughout the season, Michigan State has managed to limit opponents' scoring consistently. In nine out of twelve games this year, they have held opposing teams to single-digit scoring quarters.

Head coach Robyn Fralick has announced Julia Ayrault and Nyla Hampton as team captains for this season. Additionally, Grace VanSlooten has been named to the Cheryl Miller Award preseason watch list by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).

Looking ahead to future talent joining Spartan Nation next year includes Jordan Ode from Maple Grove High School along with Anna Terrian and Amy Terrian from Pewaukee High School.