NASSAU, Bahamas (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and a commanding early lead, the Michigan State Spartans remained undefeated, outlasting the Clemson Lady Tigers 72 to 64 in a women’s college basketball showdown Sunday at the WBB Baha Mar Nassau Championship.

The Spartans, now 8-0, used a hot start and a remarkably efficient shooting performance to build a cushion that the Lady Tigers, who fell to 5-3, could never fully erase in front of an intimate crowd of 257 at the island resort.

Michigan State seized control from the opening tip, racing out to a 17-12 lead after the first quarter. The Spartans then extended their advantage with a 21-point second quarter, taking a 38-30 lead into halftime. Clemson managed to keep the contest within striking distance with a strong 20-point fourth quarter, but the Spartans consistently answered every push to secure the victory.

The story of the game was told in the shooting percentages. Michigan State was surgical from the field, connecting on 26 of 44 attempts, a blistering 59 percent clip. Their precision extended beyond the arc, where they made 6 of 9 three-point attempts. Clemson, by contrast, struggled to find its rhythm, shooting 22 of 56 from the floor and just 8 of 27 from three-point range.

Kennedy Blair was the catalyst for the Spartans’ offensive onslaught. The guard from Dearborn, Michigan, poured in a game-high 22 points, dished out 5 assists, and added a block in 33 minutes of action. Her backcourt partner, Rashunda Jones of South Bend, Indiana, provided crucial support with 16 points and 4 assists, often driving into the paint to create opportunities.

Inside, Grace VanSlooten of Toledo, Ohio, provided a formidable presence. The 6-foot-3 forward contributed 15 points and 2 blocks, anchoring the Spartans’ defense and providing a reliable scoring option. Emma Shumate added 6 points and a block, while Jalyn Brown chipped in 7 points.

Clemson was led by Rusne Augustinaite of Siauliai, Lithuania, who scored 17 points. Demeara Hinds was a force in the paint for the Lady Tigers, recording a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 9 offensive rebounds, part of a larger 9-2 advantage for Clemson on the offensive glass. Taylor Johnson-Matthews provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, and point guard Mia Moore directed the offense with 7 assists.

Despite Clemson’s efforts on the boards, Michigan State dominated scoring in the paint, 40 to 28, and capitalized more effectively on mistakes, scoring 19 points off turnovers compared to Clemson’s 14. The Spartans also showcased a stout defensive effort, recording 7 steals and 6 blocks as a team.

The game’s flow was established early. Blair opened the scoring with a layup just 14 seconds in, setting the tone for Michigan State’s aggressive start. The Spartans built their first-quarter lead with a balanced attack, including a three-pointer from Blair and another from Jalyn Brown. Clemson stayed close through the opening period thanks to finishes inside from Hinds.

Michigan State created separation in the second quarter with a combination of stifling defense and sharp shooting. A three-pointer from Shumate, assisted by Blair, and a series of mid-range jumpers from VanSlooten helped the Spartans build a lead that reached double digits. Clemson’s Augustinaite hit a trio of three-pointers in the first half to keep her team within eight at the break.

The third quarter saw the Spartans maintain their composure and their lead, matching Clemson basket-for-basket. Every time the Lady Tigers threatened to go on a run, Michigan State had an answer, often from Blair or Jones driving to the hoop or VanSlooten scoring in the post.

Clemson’s most sustained push came in the final period, outscoring Michigan State 20-17. A three-pointer from Hannah Kohn and a jump shot from Augustinaite cut the deficit to single digits, but the Spartans consistently responded at the free-throw line and with timely baskets from Jones to seal the game. In the final minute, Clemson had opportunities to close the gap further, but a blocked three-point attempt by VanSlooten and a defensive rebound by Blair extinguished the Lady Tigers’ final hopes.

The victory extends Michigan State’s perfect start as they head into a stretch of road games, beginning at Wisconsin on Dec. 7. Clemson will look to rebound on the road at Alabama on Dec. 4.