Michigan State Women Roll Past Temple in Bahamas Showcase
NASSAU, The Bahamas (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive firepower and defensive pressure, the Michigan State Spartans remained undefeated, cruising to an 85-50 victory over the Temple Owls in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Friday at Imperial Arena.
The Spartans improved their season record to 7-0, while the Owls fell to 3-4.
From the opening tip, Michigan State established control, outscoring Temple 18-12 in the first quarter and extending the lead to 37-21 by halftime. The Spartans’ dominance only grew after the break, as they poured in 23 points in the third quarter and another 25 in the fourth. Temple, meanwhile, was held to single-digit scoring in the second quarter and never found a consistent offensive rhythm, scoring 14 and 15 points in the final two periods, respectively.
The game was defined by Michigan State’s ability to capitalize on Temple’s mistakes. The Spartans scored 22 points off turnovers, doubling the Owls’ output of 11 in that category. While both teams found success in the paint, with Michigan State holding a slight 32-28 edge, the Spartans’ efficient ball movement and shot creation proved to be the difference.
Rashunda Jones led all scorers for Michigan State, pouring in 18 points and adding four assists in 26 minutes of action. The Spartans’ frontcourt also delivered strong performances, with Marah Dykstra contributing 11 points and two blocks, and Grace VanSlooten adding 11 points and two blocks of her own.
The Spartans’ depth was on full display, with Theryn Hallock and Jalyn Brown each chipping in nine points. Kennedy Blair facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out a team-high six assists.
For Temple, Saniyah Craig was the lone bright spot, finishing with 11 points. Tristen Taylor added nine points and three assists, but the Owls struggled to find secondary scoring options against a stifling Michigan State defense.
The contest was part of a multi-game event in The Bahamas, with an announced attendance of 267 at Imperial Arena.
Temple will look to rebound on Dec. 13 when they return home to face VCU. Michigan State continues its stay in Nassau, facing Clemson on Sunday.