Michigan State women advance to NCAA Tournament second round

Spartans defeat Colorado State 65-62 to set up matchup with Oklahoma

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Michigan State women's basketball team defeated Colorado State 65-62 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the second round. Senior forward Grace VanSlooten led the Spartans with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Kennedy Blair added 18 points and a career-high 3 blocks. The Spartans will now face No. 4 seed Oklahoma, who defeated Idaho 89-59 in the first round.

Why it matters

This marks the second straight season the Spartans have advanced to the NCAA Tournament second round. Michigan State's 23 wins this season are the most for the program since 2015-16, showing the continued growth and success of the women's basketball team.

The details

The Spartans emphasized the importance of "perfect possession" late in the game against Colorado State, focusing on communication and cohesion on both ends of the floor. This approach helped Michigan State overcome a stymied 3-point shooting performance, with Jalyn Brown hitting a key go-ahead 3-pointer. The Sooners, led by All-American Raegan Beers, used a dominant third quarter defensive effort to pull away from Idaho in their first-round win.

  • The Spartans defeated Colorado State 65-62 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Michigan State will face Oklahoma in the second round on Sunday, March 24th at 8pm.

The players

Grace VanSlooten

A senior forward and second-team All-Big Ten selection, she led Michigan State with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Kennedy Blair

A second-team All-Big Ten selection, she scored 18 points and had a career-high 3 blocks for the Spartans.

Jalyn Brown

She hit a key go-ahead 3-pointer late in the game to help Michigan State defeat Colorado State.

Raegan Beers

Oklahoma's All-American forward, she recorded her 21st double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the Sooners' first-round win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Make sure that we're aware of everything that's going on on the court. And once we start communicating and vocalizing what's going on, it makes everything easier, everything clearer.”

— Jalyn Brown, Michigan State player

“I think our team just finds a way. Every shot is not going to go in, and we understand that college basketball is a game of ups and downs. But I feel like if we stay (focused on) what we know how to do, which is focusing on shots, my teammates are going to find me and I'm going to knock it down. Whoever is hitting, we're looking for them. We're finding them.”

— Jalyn Brown, Michigan State player

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.