The Michigan State University women’s basketball team secured a significant victory on March 3, 2024, defeating Oregon and extending their winning streak to eight games. With this triumph, the Spartans improved their season record to 16 wins, including five victories in Big Ten Conference play, and moved up nine spots in the Associated Press poll.
Junior guard Rashunda Jones delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a season-high 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range. Jones has emerged as a crucial contributor for the Spartans this season, averaging career highs of 12.9 points, 3.9 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game.
Another standout performance came from senior forward Grace VanSlooten, who recorded her fourth double-double of the season against her former team. VanSlooten finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating her versatility on the court.
The Spartans received valuable contributions from their entire lineup, with Kennedy Blair adding 11 points and six rebounds, alongside a team-high four assists. Jalyn Brown and Emma Shumate each chipped in with 10 points, with Shumate hitting three three-pointers.
The game began with challenges for Michigan State. Oregon’s junior guard Sofia Bell opened the scoring with four consecutive three-pointers, giving the Ducks a quick 12–2 lead. The Spartans struggled to find their rhythm early, going more than two minutes without scoring until a free throw from VanSlooten broke the drought. After a tough start, Michigan State trailed 31–20 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Spartans began to regain their footing. Despite falling behind by as many as 16 points, Michigan State mounted a strong comeback with a 24–7 run, taking a 44–43 lead at halftime.
Oregon briefly regained the lead early in the third quarter at 50–46. However, Michigan State responded with a 10–0 run, with both VanSlooten and Jones contributing seven points each in the period. By the end of the third quarter, the Spartans had established their largest lead of the game at 67–62.
The fourth quarter saw Oregon rally again, tying the game at 67. The final minutes were intense, with multiple lead changes as both teams exchanged baskets. Ultimately, Michigan State pulled away, finishing the game with a decisive 6–0 run in the final three minutes to secure the victory.
This win showcased Michigan State’s resilience and depth, particularly down the stretch. With Rashunda Jones emerging as a key scorer and veteran players like Grace VanSlooten anchoring the team, the Spartans appear to be finding their stride as the Big Ten season intensifies.
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