Back-and-forth battle ends in overtime loss for MSU women's basketball

The No. 13 Michigan State women’s basketball team came up short Sunday afternoon, falling 94–91 in overtime to No. 9 Michigan in a tightly contested rivalry game at the Breslin Center.

In a back-and-forth battle that featured 17 lead changes, Michigan was able to pull out a statement road win in front of a packed crowd. Michigan State drops to 19–3 overall and 8–3 in Big Ten play, while Michigan improves to 19–3 overall and 10–1 in conference action.

Jalyn Brown led the Spartans with a career-high 21 points, shooting 9-of-12 from the field. Kennedy Blair continued her strong season with a double-double, finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds. For Michigan, Mila Holloway scored a game-high 26 points, while Olivia Olson added 23.

First Half

The game opened with both teams trading baskets and playing at a high offensive level. Brown got Michigan State off to a fast start, scoring seven of the Spartans’ first 13 points. Michigan responded by applying a full-court trap, which disrupted MSU’s rhythm and led to seven first-quarter turnovers.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to create separation. Michigan State closed the half on a 7–0 run to take a 42–41 lead into halftime. Interior scoring was difficult for both sides as each packed the paint defensively. Brown capped a strong first half with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Notably, both teams shot 53 percent from the field while each attempting exactly 30 shots.

Second Half

The third quarter opened with a Michigan surge, as the Wolverines rattled off a 9–0 run. Michigan State responded quickly with a 9–2 run of its own to regain momentum. The quarter mirrored much of the first half, with both teams shooting efficiently and limiting mistakes. MSU ended the period on a 6–0 run to take a slim 65–64 lead.

The fourth quarter remained tight throughout. Michigan built a five-point lead with four minutes remaining, but Rashanda Jones drilled a game-tying three with 2:15 left to make it 77–77. Syla Swords answered with a three of her own to put Michigan back in front by four with under a minute to play.

After a missed jumper by Holloway with 11 seconds left, Michigan State had one final chance. Brown delivered again, driving to the basket and finishing a layup to tie the game at 81 with four seconds remaining. On the ensuing inbound, Blair came up with a steal, and Inés Sotelo’s half-court heave rimmed out at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.

Overtime

Overtime opened poorly for the Spartans, as Michigan scored the first 10 points to build its largest lead of the game. Michigan State managed to cut the deficit to six but couldn’t complete the comeback, hampered by missed free throws and two costly turnovers down the stretch.

Michigan State continues its homestand Wednesday night, hosting No. 16 Maryland. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET, with the game set to air on Big Ten+.