The Terps begin a series of tough tests with the Spartans.
Anyone with questions about No. 8 Maryland women’s basketball’s 11-0 record through this point in the season will soon get answers.
The Terps are undefeated, but have only faced one true test — No. 14 Duke — over a month and a half ago.
Maryland welcomes No. 19 Michigan State, the first of a multitude of challenging opponents it will face through the end of January, to Xfinity Center Sunday. The game will tip off at 1 p.m. and air on Big Ten Plus.
Michigan State Spartans (11-1, 1-0 Big Ten)
Like the Terps, the Spartans got out to a perfect 11-0 start to their season. They dominated opponents from lower conferences, before picking up four straight high-major wins, highlighted by triumphs over No. 21 California and No. 24 Iowa. The Spartans suffered their first defeat just over a week ago, at the hands of No. 20 Alabama at the West Palm Beach Classic.
After leading Michigan State to the NCAA Tournament her first year in charge last season, head coach Robyn Fralick looks to be building a Big Ten contender in East Lansing, Michigan.
Players to watch
Julia Ayrault, graduate forward, 6-foot-2, No. 40 — Ayrault’s decision to return for a graduate year after being Michigan State’s leading scorer in 2023-24 has proved to be a huge boost so far. She is once again leading the team in scoring and her production has increased, averaging 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds. She can score on multiple levels but is deadly from deep, where she is shooting just shy of 43%.
Grace VanSlooten, junior forward, 6-foot-3, No. 14 — VanSlooten is Michigan State’s best post player, averaging 14.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game on more than 51% shooting from the field. VanSlooten, a product of IMG Academy In Florida, has good footwork and hands around the rim and should present a challenge for Maryland’s bigs.
Theryn Hallock, junior guard, 5-foot-10, No. 4 — Hallock is a spark plug off the Spartans’ bench, with the ability to check into a game and get a lot of shots up in a hurry, averaging 11.9 points per game. She has struggled at times with efficiency this season, but is very dangerous if she gets hot.
Strength
Shooting from deep. The Spartans are shooting at a 35.7% clip from 3-point range on 238 attempts, a mark good for second in the Big Ten. Maryland will have to be diligent in guarding the perimeter against what is one of the best shooting teams it has played this season.
Weakness
Defensive discipline. The Spartans have been a very foul-prone team so far this season, averaging 18 per game. Maryland should have some opportunities to get in the bonus against the Spartans. Head coach Brenda Frese has emphasized the importance of her team staying consistent at the free throw line.
Three things to watch
1. How will Terps adjust to competition? Michigan State will be the first ranked team Maryland has faced since Nov. 10. Whether the Terps look ready and prepared for a different caliber of opponent early in the game could determine the outcome.
2. Can Maryland continue to dominate the glass? The Terps have yet to be outrebounded in any game this season. If they continue this trend against opponents with talented forwards like Michigan State, it will bode well for their continued success.
3. Frontcourt battle. This matchup will contain some of the best frontcourt players in the conference with Allie Kubek, Saylor Poffenbarger and Christina Dalce matching up against VanSlooten and Ayrault. The combination of those three Frese chooses to start will be worth monitoring as well.