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Michigan State Women’s Basketball: Quick Takeaways from USC Victory

Published

3 weeks ago

January 23, 2026

Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

“Empty the tank,” was the message that Michigan State women’s basketball head coach Robyn Fralick gave her ladies before their game against USC. Coming off of a tough loss to No. 10 Iowa on the road, Fralick instilled some confidence in her players, and pushed them to come out strong in their return home.

The Spartans did just that, starting out on a 22-8 run. USC pulled back, and at times had the lead, but Fralick’s Spartans emptied their tanks and found a way to win down the stretch, with a final score of 74-68.

Here are a couple of quick takes on the Spartans.

1. Kennedy Blair is a Madwoman

If you thought Jeremy Fears has a motor, let me introduce you to Kennedy Blair.

The redshirt sophomore played 33 minutes tonight, and was somehow everywhere on the court. Right before halftime, Blair stole a backdoor quick pass and turned it into a foul on the other end. When the Spartans were on a cold streak coming out of halftime, Blair converted a crucial and-one opportunity that forced the Breslin Boom to explode on site.

Blair led the team in points (21) and steals (5). Everywhere Fralick needed her, Blair was there and provided massive swings in momentum.

2. Ines Sotelo is back in a big way

The fellow sophomore was out for the first month of the season. Sotelo came back in December after missing her time due to a foot injury.

Fralick spoke wonders about having Sotelo back in the lineup, saying, “Ines had her best game of the season tonight. Its a completely different story when she is out on the floor for us.”

The Ourense, Spain native was second in the +/- battle with a +14 performance against USC. Adding on a consistent 12 points, two assists, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks, Sotelo stuffed the box score, once again highlighting her value to Michigan State and Robyn Fralick.

3. The Breslin Boom was a huge factor in tonight’s win

Fralick was not hesitant in her complements towards the MSU student section. All season long Fralick has been encouraging more and more people to show up, and with a promotion and free shirts on the line, Spartan students showed out.

The student section was completely filled tonight. The fans inside of it were so loud and affecting that Fralick had a hard time issuing plays to her players at some points.

“They were so loud my players could not hear what plays we were calling. That’s why communication is so important,” Fralick said.

Fralick spoke to the media after the game and reinstated her attitude, mentioning the fact that MSU is playing four out of their last five home games against top 20 teams in the nation. A packed student section and arena will only help her chances at bringing more victories to East Lansing.