MSU Women's Basketball Lands 3 All-Big Ten Honorees, 'Sixth Player of the Year'
Michigan State women's basketball is having a terrific first season under head coach Robyn Fralick, who has led the Spartans to a 22-7 overall record and a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten standings at 12-6 in league play.
With the 2023-24 regular season in the rearview mirror, several Spartans were honored for their efforts by the Big Ten's media and coaches when all-conference selections were announced Tuesday. Leading the way for Michigan State was graduate senior Julia Ayrault, who was named a unanimous first team All-Big Ten selection after averaging 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals per game for the Spartans. Ayrault shot 51.7% from the floor, 35.7% from the 3-point line and 76.3% from the foul line.
Michigan State had two other players who earned second team All-Big Ten honors. Graduate senior Moira Joiner was a unanimous selection after averaging 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Joiner has been a sharpshooter for the Spartans this year at 42.8% from the 3-point line, 47.6% overall and 87.5% from the free throw line.
Alongside Joiner is junior Deedee Hagemann, who was a second team All-Big Ten selection by the conference's coaches, and also earned an honorable mention from the league's media. This season, Hagemann averages 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 51.6% from the floor, 40.6% from 3-point range and 75.5% from the foul line.
Finally, Michigan State sophomore Theryn Hallock was recognized as the Big Ten's 'Sixth Player of the Year' after making a tremendous leap in her second year as a Spartan. Coming off the bench for MSU, Hallock has averaged 11.2 points, 2.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.9% overall, 37% from 3 and 78.3% from the free throw line.
The Spartans now turn their attention to the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, which begins tomorrow. With its fourth place finish, Michigan State has earned a double-bye and won't begin tournament play until Friday. No. 12 seed Purdue plays No. 13 seed Northwestern on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to face No. 5 seed Nebraska on Thursday. The Spartans will play the winner of that Thursday matchup.
2024 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament Bracket
A full list of the Big Ten Conference women's basketball awards and all-conference selections can be viewed here.
