The Michigan State women’s basketball team experienced an unfortunate and early exit from this year’s Big Ten tournament, a situation that can largely be attributed to their own mistakes. The Spartans fell to an 11-seed Iowa team with a final score of 74-61 in a second-round match held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. In this pivotal game, MSU committed a staggering 24 turnovers, which played a significant role in their defeat.
One of the critical turning points was an impressive 8-0 run by the Hawkeyes to close the third quarter. This surge allowed Iowa to transform a 2-point deficit into a commanding 6-point lead, from which the Spartans could not recover. Unfortunately for MSU, they never regained the lead, primarily due to their inability to convert scoring opportunities late in the game.
Despite the loss, Julia Ayrault led the Spartans with 17 points, shooting 4 of 9 from the field. Additionally, forward Grace VanSlooten contributed significantly with a double-double, adding 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. However, the overall performance was marred by the relentless defense of Iowa, which continuously frustrated the Spartans throughout the game.
The defensive strategy employed by Iowa was particularly effective, as they alternated between man and zone defenses, especially during the second quarter. The Hawkeyes initiated the quarter with a remarkable 16-0 run, fueled by eight turnovers from the Spartans during that period. Ultimately, MSU's 24 turnovers were just one shy of tying the school’s season high, and Iowa capitalized on these mistakes by scoring 28 points off the Spartans' miscues.
Iowa's offense was led by Lucy Olsen, who achieved a game-high 21 points and provided nine assists, showcasing her all-around capabilities. Other notable contributors included Hannah Stuelke with 12 points, Taylor McCabe also scoring 12 points while hitting four 3-pointers, and Ava Heiden, who added 11 points off the bench. This depth in scoring was instrumental in Iowa's victory.
The Spartans, finishing the season with a record of 21-9 after receiving a bye to the second round, faced challenges throughout the game, being outscored 20-9 in the second quarter and 20-13 in the fourth quarter. On the other hand, Iowa, now boasting a record of 21-9, has impressively won four consecutive games, including victories over Michigan and two wins against Wisconsin, the latter occurring just before their win against MSU.
With this victory, the Hawkeyes advance to the quarterfinals, where they are set to face the No. 2 seed Ohio State on Friday at approximately 9 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
