Lansing Sun

Michigan State's women's basketball team secured a decisive 82-61 victory over Penn State at the Breslin Center, marking their fourth consecutive win. The Spartans improved to a 16-3 overall record and 6-2 in Big Ten play, while Penn State fell to 10-10 overall and 1-8 in conference games. Michigan State has now won eight of the last nine encounters with Penn State.

The Spartans' defense was formidable, forcing 26 turnovers from the Lady Lions and achieving 14 steals. This game marked the fifteenth occasion this season that Michigan State forced at least 20 turnovers.

Junior guard Theryn Hallock led Michigan State with 17 points, her second consecutive game as the team's top scorer. Graduate guard/forward Julia Ayrault contributed 16 points along with five rebounds and three steals. Senior guard/forward Jocelyn Tate added 15 points, five assists, five rebounds, and three blocks. Junior forward Grace VanSlooten also scored in double figures with ten points.

Penn State's Moriah Murray topped all scorers with a game-high of 24 points.

Michigan State will next face No. 24 Michigan on the road at Crisler Arena.

Post-game notes highlighted Michigan State's strong home performance, having won their twelfth straight home game and maintaining an impressive home record over recent seasons. The Spartans' current four-game winning streak in Big Ten play is their longest of the season within the conference.

"MSU's starting line-up was its same for the sixth-straight game," showing consistency in their approach to recent matches. Notably, Tate has started all games this season for MSU, making her fiftieth start in fifty games played at Michigan State.

Ayrault continues to climb up career lists for scoring and rebounding at MSU, now ranking sixteenth on both lists. Her defensive contributions were significant as well, with two blocks adding to her career total of 159.

The Spartans' success from beyond the arc was notable; they matched their season-high of thirteen three-pointers made during this game against Penn State.

Overall, Michigan State demonstrated strong teamwork and effective strategy both offensively and defensively throughout this matchup against Penn State.