Michigan State Women’s Basketball Falls Short Against Illinois in Big Ten Tournament
INDIANAPOLIS – A career-high performance from redshirt-sophomore Kennedy Blair wasn’t enough as the No. 7-seeded Michigan State women’s basketball team suffered a 71-69 defeat to No. 10-seeded Illinois in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night. Michigan State Athletics
With the loss, Michigan State’s season record falls to 22-8, while Illinois improves to 21-10. The Illini will advance to face No. 2-seeded Iowa on Friday. Michigan State Athletics
Blair’s Historic Performance
Kennedy Blair delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-best 30 points. This marks the first time a Spartan player has reached the 30-point plateau since Julia Ayrault scored 32 against Richmond on December 21, 2024. Michigan State Athletics Blair also contributed six rebounds and five assists to the Spartan effort.
Game Recap
Michigan State started strong, opening with a 6-0 run and taking a 10-4 lead early in the first quarter. Yet, Illinois responded with an 8-0 run to close the quarter, taking a 20-17 lead. Michigan State Athletics
The second quarter saw Illinois extend its lead, going into halftime with a 36-29 advantage. MSU struggled to find its rhythm, going over three minutes without a field goal before the break.
The Spartans battled back in the third quarter, briefly regaining the lead at 42-41 following a 9-0 run. Illinois answered, ultimately taking a 53-48 lead into the final period. Michigan State Athletics
In the fourth quarter, Illinois pushed its lead to nine points, but Michigan State refused to concede. A three-pointer from Jalyn Brown and a basket from Grace VanSlooten brought the deficit to within two points with 1:59 remaining. Despite a late push, the Spartans were unable to overcome the Illini, falling short by a final score of 71-69.
Key Contributors
- Kennedy Blair (MSU): 30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
- Grace VanSlooten (MSU): 13 points, 9 rebounds
- Jalyn Brown (MSU): 12 points
- Cearah Parchment (Illinois): 15 points
Looking Ahead
Michigan State (22-8) will now await the NCAA Tournament Selection show on Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m., hoping to secure a bid and continue their season. The Detroit News Despite the tournament loss, the Spartans are expected to make their third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Robyn Fralick.
Game Notes
- This was the first meeting between Michigan State and Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament since 2008. Michigan State Athletics
- Michigan State is now 1-4 against Illinois in Big Ten Tournament games.
- The Spartans lead the all-time series against Illinois 49-31, but Illinois holds a 4-3 edge in neutral-court matchups. Michigan State Athletics