Michigan State Women's Basketball Heads to NCAA Tournament
Get ready for some March Madness! The No. 7 seed Michigan State Spartans women's basketball team tips off their NCAA tournament journey against the No. 10 seed Harvard Crimson on Saturday, March 22nd, at 4:30 p.m. ET in Raleigh, North Carolina. This first-ever meeting between these programs promises an exciting matchup.
A Look at the Spartans
MSU enters the tournament with a 21-9 record, riding a bit of a post-season slump following a loss in the Big Ten tournament. However, their regular season performance showcases their potential. The Spartans boast a strong offense with three players averaging over 13 points per game. Their experience, having played tougher competition throughout the season, gives them a significant edge. This is their second consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, and they're hungry for their first NCAA tournament win since 2019.
Harvard's Underdog Story
Harvard (24-4) is making their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007 and are seeking their first tournament win since 1996. Their star player, senior guard Harmoni Turner, is a force to be reckoned with. Turner's impressive scoring prowess, highlighted by a 44-point performance in the Ivy League semifinals, makes Harvard a team to watch. While the rest of their roster is solid, Turner's talent elevates the Crimson's potential for an upset.
How to Watch
Catch all the action on ESPNNews at 4:30 p.m. ET, with Wes Durham and Angela Taylor on commentary. You can also listen to the game on the Spartan Media Network via msuspartans.com.
The Key to Victory
While Harvard possesses a potent offensive weapon in Turner, Michigan State's defensive strength and overall experience could be decisive. The Spartans need to contain Turner while leveraging their superior depth and physicality. If they can control the boards and limit turnovers, a Spartan victory seems likely.
Prediction
Despite Harvard's underdog potential and Turner's brilliance, Michigan State's superior experience and balanced scoring attack should lead them to victory. Our prediction: Michigan State 81, Harvard 67.