The upcoming matchup on January 15, 2026, will feature the No. 15/14 Michigan State women’s basketball team squaring off against the No. 24/RV Nebraska Cornhuskers. This Big Ten showdown is set to take place at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, with a scheduled tipoff at 7 p.m. ET. Broadcast coverage will be provided by BTN, with Ed Cohen and Christy Winters Scott calling the game.
Michigan State’s Winning Streak
Michigan State enters this contest boasting an impressive eight-game winning streak. They currently hold a record of 16-1 overall and stand at 5-1 in Big Ten play, following an 85-81 victory over Oregon on January 11. In that game, Rashunda Jones achieved a season-high 23 points, contributing significantly to the Spartans’ success.
Nebraska’s Recent Performance
Nebraska arrives in East Lansing with a strong record of 14-3, including a 3-3 mark in the Big Ten. However, they are coming off a loss to No. 3 UCLA, where they fell 83-61, ending a two-game winning streak. The Cornhuskers started the season with 12 consecutive wins, demonstrating their prowess early in the competition.
- Britt Prince: Leads Nebraska, averaging 18.3 points per game (ppg) and ranking eighth in the Big Ten.
- Jessica Petrie: Second on the team in scoring, with 12.2 ppg.
- Team Stats: Nebraska averages 84.4 ppg while allowing 62.6 ppg, boasting a shooting percentage of 50.1%.
Historical Context
The series between Michigan State and Nebraska favors the Cornhuskers, who lead 13-6 overall. Nebraska has won the last three encounters, including an 85-80 victory last season in Lincoln where Michigan State struggled to overcome a 17-point deficit. Notably, in East Lansing, MSU maintains a slight edge with a 5-4 record against Nebraska.
Coaching Achievements
Michigan State’s head coach Robyn Fralick recently achieved a personal milestone by recording her 250th career win against Illinois on January 4. She holds a remarkable record of 252-96 during her coaching career, with 60 victories at Michigan State alone.
Team Rankings and National Standings
As of the latest rankings, Michigan State’s No. 14 position in the Coaches’ Poll is its highest since February 2016. The team’s consistent performance has solidified its spot among the top teams nationally. The Spartans are also one of only 11 programs with both men’s and women’s basketball teams ranked in the AP Top 25.
Key Players and Stats
During their winning streak, the Spartans have exceeded 80 points in four consecutive games. The scoring distribution has been notably wide, with several players making significant contributions. Notable statistics include:
- Rashunda Jones: Averaging 14.6 ppg, she leads in scoring during the last seven games, showcasing shooting efficiency.
- Grace VanSlooten: Consistently contributing to the team, she is among the leaders in scoring and rebounding.
Impact and Expectations
This game promises to be a critical moment for both teams in the competitive Big Ten Conference. Michigan State will look to extend its winning streak against a challenging Nebraska squad that is eager to rebound after their recent loss. Fans can expect a high-energy game that could significantly impact the standings.
