The No. 22 Michigan State women’s basketball team claimed its first Big Ten road victory of the season with a determined 70-60 win over Rutgers on Wednesday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
The Spartans extended their winning streak to two games, improving their overall record to 14-2 and their conference mark to 4-2. Rutgers, still searching for its first Big Ten victory, fell to 8-10 overall and 0-7 in league play. Michigan State also notched its fourth consecutive victory at Piscataway in the all-time series between the programs.
Three Spartans scored in double figures, with junior guard Emma Shumate and graduate guard/forward Julia Ayrault leading the way with 12 points each. Shumate showcased her sharpshooting ability, tying her season and Michigan State career high with four 3-pointers. She last hit that mark against DePaul on December 8. Ayrault’s balanced performance further solidified the Spartans’ dominance on both ends of the court.
The Spartans maintained composure throughout the game, relying on their strong defensive efforts and efficient offensive execution. Their ability to convert key plays down the stretch ensured they secured the road victory.
The victory keeps Michigan State in the thick of the competitive Big Ten race as they now set their sights on continuing their momentum. The Spartans will conclude their road trip with a matchup against Illinois on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m. ET.
With back-to-back wins and an impressive showing on the road, Michigan State remains a team to watch in the Big Ten this season.
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