The second round of the women”s NCAA Tournament promises an exciting matchup as Oklahoma goes head-to-head with Michigan State on Sunday. With both teams known for their offensive firepower, fans can anticipate a game that resembles a fast-paced track meet.
Fourth-seeded Oklahoma enters the game boasting an impressive average of 86.8 points per game, while fifth-seeded Michigan State isn”t far behind with an average of 82.5 points. These statistics ranked them third and eleventh nationally, respectively, following their first-round performances. The Sooners overwhelmed Idaho in their opener, winning 89-59 with an aggressive playing style that has defined their season.
“It”s going to be really up-and-down,” said Michigan State center Grace VanSlooten. “They”re not the type of team who uses most of the shot clock.”
In contrast, Michigan State”s first-round victory came in a more controlled fashion, as they edged out Colorado State 65-62. “Got to kind of flip our brain from yesterday to tomorrow,” VanSlooten remarked, acknowledging the challenge posed by Oklahoma”s high tempo. “Yeah, they”re a great team, super physical, and it”s going to be a really competitive and big game.”
While the Spartans are typically known for their fast-paced approach, they averaged five players scoring in double figures this season. VanSlooten, Kennedy Blair, Rashunda Jones, Jalyn Brown, and Theryn Hallock each contribute significantly to the team”s scoring. “They”re just a really well-balanced team,” noted Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk. “They move so well on the offensive end, and they share the basketball.” The Sooners also present a balanced attack, led by freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez, who averages 18.3 points per game.
Oklahoma looks to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year, while Michigan State aims to make its first appearance since 2009. Coach Robyn Fralick has consistently reminded her players of the importance of seizing opportunities, especially in a challenging Big Ten schedule and the NCAA Tournament. “We know that. We know the history. We know the tradition. We know the opportunity ahead of us, and we know the challenge,” she stated.
An intriguing matchup to watch will be between the two centers, Raegan Beers of Oklahoma and Grace VanSlooten of Michigan State. Both players have a history of facing each other, having played in high school as McDonald”s All-Americans and were teammates on the USA AmeriCup team that secured gold last year. Beers, standing at 6-foot-4, averages 15.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, while the 6-foot-3 VanSlooten contributes 15.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. “They”re so different, and yet, they both impact the game so greatly,” Baranczyk said.
Chavez, the freshman guard for Oklahoma, impressed in her NCAA Tournament debut, scoring 15 points and providing five assists without any turnovers. Her ability to maintain the fast pace will be crucial for the Sooners as they strive to secure a spot in the Sweet 16. “Obviously seeing last night how everybody was able to get involved, everybody was able to get different looks, easy looks,” said teammate Payton Verhulst. “I think that”s something — when we do that, we”re really good.”
