Talk about a statement game! No. 24 Michigan State Spartans dominated No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels with a final score of 66-49 on Monday night in the Cherokee Invitational title game. This victory wasn't just a win; it was a display of sheer dominance, particularly in the pivotal third quarter.
The Spartans, already leading 26-20 at halftime, exploded with a 17-7 run in the third quarter, turning the game into a rout. This surge, fueled by Rashunda Jones's eight points and Kennedy Blair's seven, showcased Michigan State's offensive firepower. They shot an impressive 69% (9 of 13) during that crucial period.
Grace VanSlooten's double-double performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds, along with Isaline Alexander's 12 points, further solidified the Spartans' victory.
On the other side, Ole Miss struggled, with Cotie McMahon leading the team with 13 points. Their shooting woes were evident, hitting only 33% (17 of 51) of their shots and missing 15 out of 17 three-point attempts.
But here's where it gets interesting... Before this clash, Michigan State had crushed Indiana State with a score of 115-66, while Ole Miss had secured a win against Old Dominion (86-57) on Sunday.
And this is the part most people miss... The game highlighted the Spartans' ability to adjust and dominate, especially in critical moments.
What do you think? Did Michigan State's performance signal a shift in the rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Up Next:
- Michigan State will host Rutgers on Sunday.
- Ole Miss will play at home against Alcorn State on Sunday.
