EAST LANSING — In a thrilling Big Ten matchup at Breslin Center, the Michigan State women’s basketball team ended their recent struggles against the University of Michigan with a commanding 82-61 victory on Saturday afternoon.
Julia Ayrault, a key player in the Spartans’ lineup, contributed 19 points and nine rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the team’s long-awaited triumph over their rivals. The win marked a significant moment for first-year Spartan coach Robyn Fralick, who secured her first victory against the Wolverines, breaking their three-game winning streak in the series.
Reflecting on the historic win, Fralick expressed her pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing the significance of the rivalry game. “It’s a scrapbook day,” she said. “It’s a very memorable day. The game is different and to put it any other way would be to minimize it. It’s a different game for me, it’s a different game for our staff, it’s a different game for our players and we played like it was a different game. I was proud of us for doing that.”
The victory saw Michigan State achieve its largest margin of victory in the rivalry since their 85-64 win over U-M in February 2016. Ayrault’s standout performance, combined with contributions from DeeDee Hagemann, Jocelyn Tate, and Moira Joiner, propelled the Spartans to a well-deserved triumph.
For Ayrault, the win held special significance, particularly after being sidelined due to injury during the Spartans’ previous victory over Michigan. “It means a lot,” she said. “As a team, everyone played super well and everyone did their roles. I think beating a rival school is always great and everyone did a good job executing the game plan. It was really fun. We had a good time.”
Looking ahead, Tate expressed optimism about the team’s performance, emphasizing the potential for further growth and success. “That’s the best basketball we’ve played together so far and I hope that we can continue to just build off that,” she said.
Despite a strong showing from Laila Phelia, who delivered a game-high 21 points for Michigan, the Spartans’ dominant display in the second quarter, outscoring U-M 21-7, proved to be a decisive turning point in the game. Michigan made a valiant effort to rally in the third quarter, but MSU’s resilience and composure ultimately secured their victory.
The Spartans’ triumph over their rivals not only marked a significant milestone in their season but also signaled a promising trajectory for the team. With their eyes set on further successes, the Michigan State women’s basketball team is poised for an exciting journey ahead.
