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On February 4, 2026, an exhilarating college basketball showdown took place as the No. 22 Maryland Terrapins faced off against the No. 12 Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, MI. In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Maryland emerged victorious, defeating Michigan State with a final score of 86-70. This victory marks a significant upset in the world of women’s college basketball, and it was spearheaded by the tremendous performance of Oluchi Okananwa.
The Game Overview: Maryland vs. Michigan State
The Maryland Terrapins entered the game with a record of 18-6 and a 6-6 standing in the Big Ten Conference. In contrast, the Michigan State Spartans boasted an impressive record of 19-4, sitting at 8-4 in the same conference. The atmosphere at the Breslin Center was electric as both teams vied for a vital win.
Maryland took an initial lead into halftime, finishing the first half at 43-33. The Terps’ performance was bolstered by Okananwa’s outstanding contributions of 23 points, along with four rebounds, five assists, and a steal. She shot an impressive 8 of 13 from the field, playing a crucial role in firing up the Maryland offense.
Key Players and Contributions
Besides Okananwa’s remarkable performance, other notable players for Maryland included:
- Yarden Garzon – scored 16 points and added five assists.
- Kyndal Walker – contributed 14 points.
- Saylor Poffenbarger – finished the game with 13 points, eight rebounds, and four steals.
The team showed exceptional defensive prowess, as they forced Michigan State into committing 20 turnovers, which allowed them to score 23 points off those mistakes. Maryland limited the Spartans to a 4 of 15 shooting from three-point range, showing their effectiveness on the defensive end.
Michigan State’s Struggles
On the other side of the court, Michigan State’s offense struggled to find its rhythm. Grace VanSlooten led the Spartans with 19 points, also grabbing nine rebounds and securing four blocks. While Kennedy Blair added 15 points and seven assists, it wasn’t enough to counter Maryland’s momentum in the second half. Despite a valiant effort from Jalyn Brown, who scored 13 points, Michigan State couldn’t narrow the gap in the final quarter.
Maryland’s lead expanded to 72-55 early in the fourth quarter, following a crucial three-pointer from Poffenbarger. Okananwa then delivered a scoring spree, including a deep three-pointer that extended the lead to 84-68 in the closing moments of the game, solidifying their victory.
Looking Ahead
The loss for Michigan State places them in a challenging position as they gear up for their next game against Penn State on Saturday. Meanwhile, Maryland is riding high on their recent success and will face Nebraska this weekend. The impact of this upset on conference standings is yet to unfold, but it undoubtedly adds excitement to the Big Ten race.
As the NCAA women’s college basketball season heats up, both teams continue their quest for success. With Maryland’s remarkable win, they prove that anything can happen in sports, exciting fans and players alike.
FAQ about Michigan State Basketball
1. What was the final score of the Maryland vs. Michigan State game?
The final score was Maryland 86, Michigan State 70.
2. Who was the standout player for Maryland?
Oluchi Okananwa stood out with 23 points in the game.
3. How did Maryland’s defense perform against Michigan State?
Maryland’s defense forced Michigan State to commit 20 turnovers, leading to 23 points for Maryland.
4. What upcoming games are scheduled for Maryland and Michigan State?
Maryland will face Nebraska, while Michigan State will play against Penn State next.
5. How does this game impact the standings in the Big Ten Conference?
This upset can significantly impact the standings as both teams strive to improve their conference records.
