What's Happening?
In a closely contested game, the Michigan State Spartans women's basketball team defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 73-71. The game took place on January 15, 2026, in East Lansing, Michigan. Grace VanSlooten led the Spartans with 22 points, while Juliann Woodward secured the win by making two crucial free throws with just 5.1 seconds remaining. Rashunda Jones and Kennedy Blair also contributed significantly, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. The victory marked Michigan State's best start in program history with a 17-1 record. Nebraska's Amiah Hargrove scored 21 points off the bench, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Spartans. The win ended a three-game losing streak for Michigan State against Nebraska, with their last victory over the Cornhuskers occurring
in the 2022-23 Big Ten Tournament.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Michigan State as it solidifies their position as a strong contender in the Big Ten Conference. With a 6-1 conference record, the Spartans are demonstrating their potential to compete at a high level this season. The win also boosts team morale and confidence, especially after breaking a losing streak against a formidable opponent like Nebraska. For Nebraska, the loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining leads and closing out games. The outcome of this game could influence the rankings and seedings in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, impacting both teams' paths in the postseason.
What's Next?
Following this game, Nebraska is set to visit Wisconsin on January 21, while Michigan State will face No. 11 Iowa on Sunday. These upcoming matches will be crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their standings in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State will aim to continue their winning momentum, while Nebraska will look to bounce back and address the issues that led to their narrow defeat.
