Msu Vs U Of M Women's Basketball
Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Michigan (U of M) have been rivals on the basketball court for decades. Their competitive rivalry extends not only to men's basketball but also to women's basketball. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of MSU vs U of M women's basketball games.
History of MSU vs U of M Women's Basketball Games
The first women's basketball game between MSU and U of M took place in 1973, with MSU winning 58-48. Since then, the two teams have played each other many times, with MSU leading the all-time series 68-30 as of the end of the 2020-2021 season.
Despite the overall series record, U of M has had some recent success against MSU. In the 2019-2020 season, U of M swept the two-game series, winning both games by double digits. MSU was able to bounce back in the 2020-2021 season, winning both games against U of M.
Top Players in MSU vs U of M Women's Basketball Games
Over the years, there have been many talented players on both sides of the MSU vs U of M women's basketball rivalry. Let's take a look at some of the top players from each team.
Michigan State University
• Aerial Powers: Powers played for MSU from 2013-2016 and is the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,817 points. She also holds the record for most points in a single season with 697.
• Kalisha Keane: Keane played for MSU from 2007-2011 and is one of only three players in program history to record at least 1000 points, 500 rebounds, and 200 steals.
• Kristin Haynie: Haynie played for MSU from 2002-2005 and was a key player on the 2005 team that advanced to the NCAA Final Four.
University of Michigan
• Diane Dietz: Dietz played for U of M from 1979-1982 and is the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,076 points. She was also a three-time All-American.
• Leigh Ann Roehm: Roehm played for U of M from 2002-2005 and is the only player in program history to record at least 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 300 assists.
• Katelynn Flaherty: Flaherty played for U of M from 2014-2018 and is the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,776 points. She also holds the record for most three-pointers made with 365.
Importance of MSU vs U of M Women's Basketball Games
The MSU vs U of M women's basketball rivalry is important not only because of the history between the two teams, but also because of the impact it has on the Big Ten conference standings. Both MSU and U of M are consistently competitive in the conference, and their games against each other often have an impact on the final standings.
Additionally, the rivalry helps to fuel recruitment efforts for both programs. High school basketball players from the state of Michigan are often drawn to one side of the rivalry or the other, and the opportunity to play in such a competitive atmosphere can be a big draw.
Conclusion
The MSU vs U of M women's basketball rivalry is a competitive and exciting one, with a long history of talented players and impactful games. Whether you're a fan of MSU, U of M, or just women's basketball in general, this rivalry is one to keep an eye on in the coming years.