RALEIGH, N.C. - The Michigan State women's basketball team saw their season come to an abrupt end on March 24, 2025, as they were eliminated by No. 2 seed NC State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans suffered a heavy defeat, losing 83-49 at James T. Valvano Arena at Reynolds Coliseum.
Michigan State entered the game with high hopes after securing their first NCAA Tournament win since 2019, overcoming No. 10-seed Harvard 64-50 in the first round. However, their matchup against NC State would prove to be a daunting challenge. The Spartans, as the No. 7 seed, had high aspirations, yet couldn’t find their rhythm against the Wolfpack's aggressive and well-coordinated gameplay.
NC State, boasting a record of 27-6 after their victory over Vermont in the first round, brought a strong offensive front that left the Spartans scrambling. The Wolfpack shot a staggering 50% from beyond the arc, sinking 15 of their 30 three-point attempts while maintaining a 68% shooting percentage in the first half alone.
The game's opening minutes saw Michigan State struggling to find their footing, committing three turnovers within the first four minutes, forcing them into a defensive timeout as NC State took an early 12-4 lead on the back of successive three-pointers from guard Madison Hayes.
As the first quarter progressed, the Wolfpack methodically built up their score, finishing the period leading 27-9. Their impressive offensive display was largely driven by guard Aziaha James, whose performance was nothing short of stellar. By half-time, James had already racked up 17 points, finishing the game with a game-high 26 points, profoundly influencing the match.
The relentless pursuit of the basket extended into the third quarter, where NC State outscored Michigan State 22-13. Guard Saniya Rivers added to the onslaught, accumulating a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists. With 2:24 left in the third quarter, the lead swelled to 31 points, exemplifying the overwhelming dominance of the Wolfpack.
On the opposing side, Michigan State struggled to keep pace, with junior forward Grace VanSlooten leading the Spartans with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Despite VanSlooten's efforts, MSU's offense was stifled, and they simply could not match the shooting proficiency or the efficiency of their opponents. They went 4-for-18 from the floor in the first quarter and struggled to find consistent scoring throughout the game, finishing the third quarter trailing by a staggering 33 points.
After fighting hard in a comeback in the first round, the defeat against NC State marked a disappointing end to the Spartans' NCAA Tournament run. The loss underscored the challenges faced by MSU head coach Robyn Fralick in her second year at the helm, as the team finished the season with a record of 22-10.
Coach Fralick acknowledged the experience, stating, "This team has had its ups and downs, but we have learned and grown from every challenge we faced this season." The defeat highlighted the need for continued development as the Spartans aim to build on their NCAA experience moving forward.
As for NC State, the triumph means they advance to the Sweet 16 for the 17th time in program history, and the sixth time in the last seven years, showcasing their strong standing in women's college basketball. The Wolfpack's remarkable season continues, as they look to make another run in the tournament, aiming to build on their Final Four appearance from the previous year.
Both teams will now look towards their futures with NC State firmly in the national spotlight and Michigan State focusing on what lies ahead in the coming seasons.
