Women’s Basketball Moves into AP Poll for First Time This Season

Spartans are ranked No. 24 after beginning the year 5-0 for the fourth time in program history.

EAST LANSING, Mich. -  The Michigan State women’s basketball team is nationally ranked for the first time this season, as they moved into the Associated Press poll this afternoon. The Spartans are ranked No. 24 and enter the poll for the first time since Dec. 17 of last season.

MSU improved to 5-0 on the season this weekend, after winning the TD Banknorth Classic with wins over Dartmouth (60-52 in overtime) and Quinnipiac (81-48). The Spartans are off to their third best start in program history and are tied with North Carolina , Texas and Gonzaga for the best record in the country.

Michigan State is one of three Big Ten schools in the poll, joining Purdue (19th) and Ohio State (20th).

The Spartans have been dominant in the early portions of the season on both ends of the court. MSU is leading the Big Ten in scoring offense (83.0 points per game) and scoring margin (+35.0), while placing second in scoring defense (48.0 per game). They also lead the Big Ten in field goal percentage (51.2%), rebounds (47.8), rebound margin (+15.0), assists (19.2), blocks (7.4) and 3-point field goal defense (15.9%).

MSU faces two nationally ranked opponents this week, beginning with a Wednesday clash with No. 23 Old Dominion. The Spartans and Lady Monarchs will tip at 6:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. After the holiday break, Michigan State hits the road to take on No. 14 Notre Dame on Saturday at 2 p.m.