What's at Stake for MSU Women in Key B1G Tournament Run
In this story:
The postseason has arrived in the women's college basketball season.
Michigan State has wrapped up its third season under head coach Robyn Fralick with a 22-7 overall record with an 11-7 mark during Big Ten play and is ranked 18th in the AP Poll. The Spartans, though, are currently projected to be a 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament as they enter the Big Ten Tourney in Indianapolis.
Getting that top-4 seed is absolutely vital. The top 16 overall seeds in the women's tournament get to host the first and second rounds at their home arenas. Last season, 13 of the 16 teams that got to host those first-weekend matchups ended up in the Sweet 16.
For MSU to feel safe about its status as a 4-seed, though, it probably is going to want at least one win this week at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here's a quick look at what the Spartans' draw was:
Where Michigan State Landed
MSU ended up receiving the 7-seed in this year's Big Ten Tournament, which should be an indication of the strength of the conference. Michigan State was the sixth seed in the conference last year, and that ended up only being good enough for a 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA is the conference's best team going away this year. The Bruins rattled off a perfect 18-0 record during Big Ten play to win the conference regular season title by three games.
MSU wouldn't have to face UCLA until the Big Ten title game, though ESPN's Charlie Creme does have the two programs potentially meeting in the Sweet 16, as of his latest update on Monday morning. UCLA won the regular-season meeting in East Lansing by 23 points on Feb. 11.
That's a future issue, though. Michigan State just has to deal with whichever team moves on to face it.
The Big Ten's women's tourney is also structured slightly differently from the men's; the bottom three teams don't make it to the women's bracket, while all 18 teams will participate in the men's tourney this year. So, MSU is getting a single-bye and will face either No. 10 seed Illinois or No. 15 seed Wisconsin in the second round.
The Spartans beat the Fighting Illinois by six points in East Lansing on Jan. 4, but lost to the Badgers by 14 on Dec. 7. Whichever team it is, the game is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, with the game being televised on the Big Ten Network.
If Michigan State beats Illinois/Wisconsin, it will play again at the same time on Friday (also on BTN) against second-seeded Iowa. The Hawkeyes beat MSU by seven points in Iowa City back on Jan. 18.
Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on MSU's Big Ten Tournament draw when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Spartans when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW
A 2025 graduate from Michigan State University, Cotsonika brings a wealth of experience covering the Spartans from Rivals and On3 to his role as Michigan State Spartans Beat Writer on SI. At Michigan State, he was also a member of the world-renowned Spartan marching band for two seasons.
Follow jacobcotsonika