MSU dominated Wayne State in Monday’s exhibition game with a decisive 101–40 victory. Every player saw game time, except for the injured Isa Alexander. The team featured eight new faces—four transfers and four freshmen—all of whom made strong debuts. The Spartans showed impressive speed, especially in the starting lineup, racking up 29 fast-break points while allowing only four. Defensively, MSU was formidable, giving up just five points in the first half. Six players recorded blocks, with starting forwards Ayrault and VanSlooten accounting for six of the team’s 12 total blocks.
Scoring came easily, though free-throw accuracy (64%) left room for improvement. The Spartans took a modest 13 attempts from beyond the arc, hitting 38.5%, while shooting an impressive 64.5% inside the arc. Dominant play in the paint, led by the starting power forwards, allowed MSU to capitalize on its size and speed against Wayne State. Six players scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s offensive depth.
Starting Lineup Highlights
The starting lineup featured two new additions: VanSlooten at forward and Simmons at shooting guard, both of whom made strong two-way contributions. VanSlooten fit seamlessly alongside Ayrault, displaying quick moves under the basket with a fadeaway shot, running the floor on fast breaks, and rebounding effectively. Simmons showcased versatility, staying active on defense and hitting 2-of-3 from deep.
Returning starters showed notable offseason improvement, especially Tate, whose refined ball-handling skills make her a natural fit at the 3, moving up from the 4 last season. Ayrault and Hallock picked up where they left off, using their vision to push the pace and connect on fast breaks. Their playmaking abilities and court awareness are a valuable asset for MSU’s up-tempo style.
Rotational Players
Depth at guard looks strong this season, with Kimball, Hampton, and Shumate providing solid minutes off the bench. Hampton took just one shot but disrupted opposing ball handlers, adding several steals. Kimball, who led the team in rebounds, pushed the tempo and will continue to be a key spot-up shooter. Shumate, the most reliable 3-point shooter, hit both of her shots from beyond the arc and even logged minutes at the 4, utilizing her 6’1” frame for defensive matchups.
First off the bench for the forwards was freshman Ines Sotelo, who impressed with 11 points, including six off steals, and contributed several key rebounds. With experience on the Spanish youth national team, Sotelo brings both skill and athleticism, showing potential to make a growing impact as the season progresses.
Depth Players
It was great to see the freshmen on the court, even if the second half wasn’t flawless. Many of these players will only see limited minutes this season, so it was beneficial to see how they handled extended play without high stakes. Standouts among the depth players included Kennedy Blair, the preferred walk-on point guard, and Mary Meng, MSU’s tallest player. Blair, who scored 11 points, was aggressive in driving to the basket, drawing multiple and-1s. Meng looked more polished compared to last season, contributing with a block and a steal. Both players could see expanded roles in case of injuries, as they’re next in line for the guard and forward positions.
While some of our younger players still need development, MSU’s bench shows promising depth heading into the season.
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