Another Test, Another Answer: Spartan Women's Basketball Outlast Nebraska at Breslin
Michigan State closed with poise, extended its winning streak to nine, and secured the best 18-game start in program history with a 73–71 victory.
With the game hanging in the balance, Julian Woodard stepped to the free-throw line and calmly knocked down two shots with 5.1 seconds remaining. One final defensive stand later, the Michigan State women's basketball had secured a gritty 73–71 win over Nebraska on Thursday night at the Breslin Center.
Nebraska pushed first in the fourth quarter, ripping off a 7–0 run to seize a 67–64 lead and briefly quiet the crowd. A deep three from Jalyn Brown tied the game with 1:22 left, setting up a frantic final minute that felt like March in January.
Photo credit: Marvin Hall / Spartans Illustrated
After Britt Prince answered with a pull-up jumper to give Nebraska a 71–69 edge, Rashunda Jones responded with ice-cold free throws to knot the game again. Then came the decisive sequence: a Nebraska turnover, a missed Spartan look, and Woodard crashing the glass to secure the offensive rebound that mattered most. Fouled immediately, she delivered from the line — twice — and the Spartans closed the door with a defensive stop on the other end.
“As we continue evolving, as we continue to become a better team, you just find ways to win," said head coach Robyn Fralick after the game." I did not think tonight we had our best stuff. You’ve just got to find ways to win the game in front of you.”
The win capped Michigan State’s ninth straight victory and pushed the Spartans to 17–1 overall and 6–1 in Big Ten play — the best 18-game start in program history.
Grace VanSlooten led the way offensively with a season-high 22 points, controlling the paint and setting the tone throughout the night. Jones filled the box score with 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Kennedy Blair added 14 points, six boards, and six assists in a balanced, poised performance.
“There’s a lot we can do better, but really, really proud of our group for making winning plays,” said Fralick.
Nebraska was powered by Amiah Hargrove, who poured in 21 points off the bench on near-perfect shooting, but Michigan State’s defense tightened late — just enough to survive.
Photo credit: Marvin Hall / Spartans Illustrated
“What I love about our group is there isn’t one particular way we have to win," said Fralick.
Thursday night was more than a close win. It snapped a three-game losing streak against the Huskers and set a program record through 18 games. On a night when every second mattered, Michigan State did just enough to make the last ones count.
