By RAUL GARCIA JR | Lansing News Wire
The No. 2 Michigan State Lady Spartans (21-8) are ready to challenge the No. 11 Iowa Lady Hawkeyes (21-9) in the 2025 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, aiming to pull off a statement win against one of the conference’s top teams.
Lady Spartans’ Defense Could Be the Difference
Michigan State enters the tournament with a defense-first mentality, anchored by Theryn Hallock and Julia Ayrault, who have been instrumental in shutting down elite scorers all season. The Spartans will need their defensive pressure to slow down Iowa’s high-scoring attack, while Nyla Hampton and Abbey Kimball provide perimeter shooting to keep pace offensively. Isaline Alexander adds strength in the post, giving the Spartans a key advantage on the boards.
Hawkeyes’ Firepower Poses a Challenge
Iowa, led by Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter, remains one of the most potent offenses in the country. Stuelke’s presence in the paint and Affolter’s all-around scoring ability make the Hawkeyes difficult to contain. Freshman Taylor McCabe has also been a consistent threat from beyond the arc, stretching defenses thin. If the Hawkeyes control the pace and hit their shots early, they could take command of the game.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Hallock vs. Affolter – Can the Spartans’ top defender limit Iowa’s leading scorer?
- Rebounding Battle – Michigan State must win the boards to prevent Iowa’s second-chance points.
- Turnovers & Transition Play – The Spartans must avoid turnovers to keep Iowa from running the floor.
With both teams hungry for a deep tournament run, expect an intense battle on the court. Tip-off is set for 8 P.M. as Michigan State looks to take down the Hawkeyes and advance to the next round.
LARRY ARREGUIN