Sunday, January 24
Madison, Wis.
4 PM ET
Michigan State University
at
Wisconsin
MSU Returns to Action at Wisconsin Sunday
1/22/2021 7:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Spartans take on the Badgers in the first of two meetings this season.
EAST LANSING, Mich. - After three-straight postponements, Michigan State women's basketball returns to action on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. ET at the Kohl Center on the Big Ten Network. The Spartans are looking to snap a two-game losing streak after winning their first eight games of the season. MSU comes to Madison with an 8-2 record and 3-2 mark in league play. The Badgers are 3-9 overall and 0-9 in B1G action.
• Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Spartans had games at Illinois (Jan. 14), at Michigan (Jan. 18) and at home against Indiana (Jan. 21) postponed. MSU returned to full practice on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
• With road Big Ten wins against Minnesota and Purdue, the Spartans are looking to win their opening three road league contests for the first time since the 2013-14 season. That year, MSU won five-straight B1G games to begin the season .
• After 10 games, the Spartans are currently fourth in the nation and first in the Big Ten in assists per game (21.0 apg) and fourth in the NCAA and second in the B1G assists to turnover ratio (1.62). Michigan State is 23rd and fifth in the Big Ten in turnover margin +5.50 margin.Â
•Junior guard Nia Clouden scored her 1,000th career point against Maryland on Jan. 7. She now has 1,032 points in her MSU career, still standing No. 28 on the MSU career scoring list, passing Jill Prudden (1974-78) with 1,012 points, and now two points shy of the No. 27 spot held by Brenda Jezowski (1980-85) with 1,034 points.
SCOUTING THE BADGERS
Wisconsin holds an overall record of 3-9 and 0-9 in Big Ten play. The Badgers earned non-conference wins against Western Illinois, North Dakota and Valparaiso. Wisconsin has now dropped seven-straight games, including a tight 56-55 loss on the road against Purdue on Jan. 21. All three Badger wins have come at home, while holding an 0-4 record on the road this season.
The Badgers are fourth in the Big Ten in blocked shots, averaging 4.5 bpg. They stand just ahead over the Spartans who are fifth with 4.4 bpg. Wisconsin is averaging 65.5 ppg, which is 13th in the B1G. It is also allowing 75.1 ppg, which stands 11th in the league.
Individually, Sydney Hilliard is 12th in the league in  scoring, averaging 12.2 ppg. Imani Lewis stands tied for eighth in rebounds with 7.8 rpg. Julie Pospisilova ranks fifth in the Big Ten in blocks, swatting 1.4 bpg just ahead of MSU's Julia Ayrault (1.4 bpg).
SERIES HISTORY VS. THE WISCONSIN
This is the 73rd meeting between the Spartans and the Badgers. Michigan State leads the overall series 46-26. MSU had won 12-straight games in the series before a 79-62 loss in Madison on Feb. 14, 2019. Michigan State is 16-19 overall in Madison against Wisconsin. The Spartans hold an impressive 27-6 record at home against the Badgers. Last season, MSU earned a 69-52 win in East Lansing behind a 20-point performance by Nia Clouden.
LAST TIME VS. WISCONSIN
Nia Clouden scored 20 points as the Michigan State women's basketball team celebrated Alumni Day with a 69-52 win over Wisconsin on Jan. 12, 2020 at the Breslin Center.
For the first time this season, Michigan State had only one player in double figures, but that one player was Clouden who scored 20 points and added five assists. Freshman  guard Alyza Winston and sophomore guard Tory Ozment both added eight points. Freshman forward Taiyier Parks scored six points and added a team-high eight rebounds.
Wisconsin was led by Imani Lewis who had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
JOINING THE CLUB
Junior guard Nia Clouden, a native of Owings Mills, Maryland, scored her 1,000th career point with a jumper from the left wing with 9:43 left in the third quarter for her 14th point in the game. Clouden became the 29th player in MSU women's basketball history to reach the 1,000 career points plateau. She now has 1,032 points in her Spartan career, climbing up to No. 28 on the MSU career scoring list, passing Jill Prudden (1974-78) with 1,012 points, and now two points shy of the No. 27 spot held by Brenda Jezowski (1980-85) with 1,034 points.
She became the seventh player in the last seven years to reach the 1,000-point mark.
Years   Player                 Points
2020-21   Nia Clouden         1,032
2019-20   Taryn McCutcheon      1,119
2018-19   Jenna Allen           1,098
2017-18   Branndais Agee      1,250
2015-16   Tori Jankoska        2,212
2014-15   Aerial Powers        1,817
2014-15   Becca Mills          1,157
SEEING THE SMALLER NUMBERS
MSU's defense held Nebraska to 68 points on Jan. 10, tying the fewest allowed in a Big Ten game this season, matching 68 vs. Iowa (12/12/20). Michigan State was held to a season-low 64 points on Sunday, the first time MSU has been held under 70 points this season.
THE STARTING 5
Only two Spartans, Tory Ozment and NiaClouden, have started all 10 games this season. Julia Ayrault and Alyza Winston made their seventh starts of their careers against Nebraska on Jan. 10, all in the last seven games this season. Meanwhile, Clouden made her 73rd career start in playing in her 73rd career game. Taiyier Parks started for the eighth time this season in the 10 games as part of her 11th career start, while playing in her 40th career game.
PUTTING UP THE POINTS
Nia Clouden is one of six players in the Big Ten with at least five 20-point games. She is tied for fourth with five, along with Rutgers' Arella Guirantes and Ohio State's Jacy Sheldon. Iowa's Caitlin Clark leads the way with 10 followed by Michigan's Naz Hillman with nine.
IN THE LOSSES
There have been a few trends in MSU's two losses this season. Opponents have come out with fasts starts, out-scoring the Spartans 87-63 in the first half in the two losses. Michigan State has responded nicely in the second half, winning the second half 88-74. Nia Clouden has come through in the losses, averaging 23.o ppg with 4.5 apg. Julia Ayrault is second in scoring with 12.o ppg.
NOTES ON NIA
The 32 points against Maryland on Jan. 7 was Nia Clouden's fifth game this season with 20+ points, all coming in the last seven games ... It was her 15th career game with 20+ points ... The Spartan junior guard has led Michigan State in scoring for the nine times in 10 games ... She has led MSU in points 31 times in her career ... This season, Clouden has now netted double-digits in all 10 contests, as part of 21-straight games in her career, now with double-figures in 37 of her last 40 games played, tallying double-figures in all but three games last season ... In her career, Clouden has now scored in double-figures in 60 of 73 career games played.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Around the Big Ten, Nia Clouden ranks fourth in scoring (19.9 ppg), as well as standing sixth in steals (2.3 spg). Two Spartans standout in assists per game with Clouden holding down the seventh spot (4.9 apg), and fellow junior Tory Ozment standing 10th (4.6 apg.). Sophomore Julia Ayrault is fifth in blocks (1.4 bpg), while fellow sophomore Alyza Winston is tied for eighth in 3-pointers made (2.1/game).
As a team, the Spartans are first in assists (21.0 apg), third in steals (9.8 spg) and fifth in blocks (4.4 bpg).
FILLING OUT THE ROSTER
During the month of December, Michigan State had three player become eligible. Junior guard Janai Crooms, a transfer from Ohio State, was cleared to play on Dec. 4 and has had an immediate impact. Against Oakland on Dec. 22, she had a season-high 10 rebounds. Penn State transfers Alisia Smith and Jayla James found out they were eligible on Dec. 22, just in time to play against Oakland. Smith, a junior forward, scored nine points in her Spartan debut.
SPARTANS AGAINST THE NCAA
After 10 games, the Spartans are currently fourth in the nation and first in the Big Ten in assists per game (21.0 apg) and fourth in the NCAA and second in the B1G assists to turnover ratio (1.62). Michigan State is 23rd and fifth in the Big Ten in turnover margin +5.50 margin. The Wildcats are first in the NCAA and first in the league (12.10).Â
ERASE HATE
Michigan State women's basketball head coach Suzy Merchant is proud to launch the Erase Hate campaign for the 2020-21 season. The Erase Hate campaign aims to put the focus on student-athlete driven programming to address social injustice issues. Throughout this season, women's basketball players work to help lift up the voices of underrepresented groups both on campus and across the Greater Lansing area.
GETTING IN THE LINEUP
Only two Spartans, Tory Ozment and Nia Clouden, have started all 10 games this season. Julia Ayrault and Alyza Winston made their seventh starts of their careers, all in the last seven games this season. Meanwhile, Clouden made her 73rd career start in playing in her 73rd career game. Ozment started for the 22nd time of her career in playing her 58th game. Taiyier Parks started for the eighth time this season in the 10 games as part of her 11th career start, while playing in her 40th career game.
MAKING IT RAIN
Against Oakland on Dec. 22, Â MSU finished with a season-high 65.0 percent shooting from the field (39-of-60), cooling off from over 70 percent partway through the fourth quarter, which would have topped the school record of 67.2 percent vs. Bowling Green (12/23/86). Michigan State's 39 field goals was also a season-best.
The Spartans also set a school record, shooting 92.3 percent in the third quarter, going 12-of-13. Nia Clouden led the way with 11 of the Spartans' 31 points. Sophomore guard Moira Joiner also scored seven points.
MASK UP, MICHIGAN
Things will look very different in the Breslin Center to start the season. Currently, there will be no fans in the stands. Starting with the game on Jan. 7, a limited number of family member of the players will be allowed. Crowd noise will be piped and the music will be going to get the players hyped up. From the comfort  of home, fans can look for familiar faces in the cardboard cutouts in the stands. All postgame media will be done via Zoom this year.
MAGIC NUMBERS
In head coach Suzy Merchant's tenure, when two numbers on the scoreboard were achieved it typically has been a sign of a MSU win. The Green & White have won 154 of their last 173 games (.890) when scoring at least 70 points, and the Spartans are 172-29 (.860) under head coach Suzy Merchant when hanging at least 70 points on the scoreboard. The Spartans are now 8-1 this season when reaching the 70-point mark with the only loss coming against Maryland on Jan. 7.
CLOSING OUT THE GAMES
The Spartans have been extremely effective closing out games over the last couple years, winning 217 of its last 230 games (.943) Â when leading with five minutes left, including 167 of their last 182. In Coach Merchant's tenure, Michigan State is 252-19 (.930) when holding a lead with five minutes left. This season, MSU is 7-0 when leading with five minutes remaining.Â
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Five Big Ten programs are appearing in this week's Associated Press and Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA)/USA Today Top 25 polls, with three others receiving votes in one or both polls. The Big Ten's five Top 25 programs are second among all conferences. Maryland (No. 7/7) and Michigan (No. 11/11) are at their highest rankings this season, with Michigan's current poll positions also the highest in the school's record book, topping the Wolverines' No. 12 rankings on Dec. 24, 2001. The Spartans' received votes in the WBCA/USA Today poll.
CLOUDEN EARNS PRESEASON HONORS
Michigan State junior guard Nia Clouden has been named Preseason All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media. During the 2019-20 campaign, Clouden finished the season first on the team in scoring, averaging 14.5 points per game, which was also eighth in the Big Ten. She also tied for 14th in the league in assists (3.3 apg) and 11th in steals (1.7 spg). Last season, Clouden captured second-team All-Big Big Ten honors after being named to the honorable mention squad as a freshman.
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• Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Spartans had games at Illinois (Jan. 14), at Michigan (Jan. 18) and at home against Indiana (Jan. 21) postponed. MSU returned to full practice on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
• With road Big Ten wins against Minnesota and Purdue, the Spartans are looking to win their opening three road league contests for the first time since the 2013-14 season. That year, MSU won five-straight B1G games to begin the season .
• After 10 games, the Spartans are currently fourth in the nation and first in the Big Ten in assists per game (21.0 apg) and fourth in the NCAA and second in the B1G assists to turnover ratio (1.62). Michigan State is 23rd and fifth in the Big Ten in turnover margin +5.50 margin.Â
•Junior guard Nia Clouden scored her 1,000th career point against Maryland on Jan. 7. She now has 1,032 points in her MSU career, still standing No. 28 on the MSU career scoring list, passing Jill Prudden (1974-78) with 1,012 points, and now two points shy of the No. 27 spot held by Brenda Jezowski (1980-85) with 1,034 points.
SCOUTING THE BADGERS
Wisconsin holds an overall record of 3-9 and 0-9 in Big Ten play. The Badgers earned non-conference wins against Western Illinois, North Dakota and Valparaiso. Wisconsin has now dropped seven-straight games, including a tight 56-55 loss on the road against Purdue on Jan. 21. All three Badger wins have come at home, while holding an 0-4 record on the road this season.
The Badgers are fourth in the Big Ten in blocked shots, averaging 4.5 bpg. They stand just ahead over the Spartans who are fifth with 4.4 bpg. Wisconsin is averaging 65.5 ppg, which is 13th in the B1G. It is also allowing 75.1 ppg, which stands 11th in the league.
Individually, Sydney Hilliard is 12th in the league in  scoring, averaging 12.2 ppg. Imani Lewis stands tied for eighth in rebounds with 7.8 rpg. Julie Pospisilova ranks fifth in the Big Ten in blocks, swatting 1.4 bpg just ahead of MSU's Julia Ayrault (1.4 bpg).
SERIES HISTORY VS. THE WISCONSIN
This is the 73rd meeting between the Spartans and the Badgers. Michigan State leads the overall series 46-26. MSU had won 12-straight games in the series before a 79-62 loss in Madison on Feb. 14, 2019. Michigan State is 16-19 overall in Madison against Wisconsin. The Spartans hold an impressive 27-6 record at home against the Badgers. Last season, MSU earned a 69-52 win in East Lansing behind a 20-point performance by Nia Clouden.
LAST TIME VS. WISCONSIN
Nia Clouden scored 20 points as the Michigan State women's basketball team celebrated Alumni Day with a 69-52 win over Wisconsin on Jan. 12, 2020 at the Breslin Center.
For the first time this season, Michigan State had only one player in double figures, but that one player was Clouden who scored 20 points and added five assists. Freshman  guard Alyza Winston and sophomore guard Tory Ozment both added eight points. Freshman forward Taiyier Parks scored six points and added a team-high eight rebounds.
Wisconsin was led by Imani Lewis who had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
JOINING THE CLUB
Junior guard Nia Clouden, a native of Owings Mills, Maryland, scored her 1,000th career point with a jumper from the left wing with 9:43 left in the third quarter for her 14th point in the game. Clouden became the 29th player in MSU women's basketball history to reach the 1,000 career points plateau. She now has 1,032 points in her Spartan career, climbing up to No. 28 on the MSU career scoring list, passing Jill Prudden (1974-78) with 1,012 points, and now two points shy of the No. 27 spot held by Brenda Jezowski (1980-85) with 1,034 points.
She became the seventh player in the last seven years to reach the 1,000-point mark.
Years   Player                 Points
2020-21   Nia Clouden         1,032
2019-20   Taryn McCutcheon      1,119
2018-19   Jenna Allen           1,098
2017-18   Branndais Agee      1,250
2015-16   Tori Jankoska        2,212
2014-15   Aerial Powers        1,817
2014-15   Becca Mills          1,157
SEEING THE SMALLER NUMBERS
MSU's defense held Nebraska to 68 points on Jan. 10, tying the fewest allowed in a Big Ten game this season, matching 68 vs. Iowa (12/12/20). Michigan State was held to a season-low 64 points on Sunday, the first time MSU has been held under 70 points this season.
THE STARTING 5
Only two Spartans, Tory Ozment and NiaClouden, have started all 10 games this season. Julia Ayrault and Alyza Winston made their seventh starts of their careers against Nebraska on Jan. 10, all in the last seven games this season. Meanwhile, Clouden made her 73rd career start in playing in her 73rd career game. Taiyier Parks started for the eighth time this season in the 10 games as part of her 11th career start, while playing in her 40th career game.
PUTTING UP THE POINTS
Nia Clouden is one of six players in the Big Ten with at least five 20-point games. She is tied for fourth with five, along with Rutgers' Arella Guirantes and Ohio State's Jacy Sheldon. Iowa's Caitlin Clark leads the way with 10 followed by Michigan's Naz Hillman with nine.
IN THE LOSSES
There have been a few trends in MSU's two losses this season. Opponents have come out with fasts starts, out-scoring the Spartans 87-63 in the first half in the two losses. Michigan State has responded nicely in the second half, winning the second half 88-74. Nia Clouden has come through in the losses, averaging 23.o ppg with 4.5 apg. Julia Ayrault is second in scoring with 12.o ppg.
NOTES ON NIA
The 32 points against Maryland on Jan. 7 was Nia Clouden's fifth game this season with 20+ points, all coming in the last seven games ... It was her 15th career game with 20+ points ... The Spartan junior guard has led Michigan State in scoring for the nine times in 10 games ... She has led MSU in points 31 times in her career ... This season, Clouden has now netted double-digits in all 10 contests, as part of 21-straight games in her career, now with double-figures in 37 of her last 40 games played, tallying double-figures in all but three games last season ... In her career, Clouden has now scored in double-figures in 60 of 73 career games played.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Around the Big Ten, Nia Clouden ranks fourth in scoring (19.9 ppg), as well as standing sixth in steals (2.3 spg). Two Spartans standout in assists per game with Clouden holding down the seventh spot (4.9 apg), and fellow junior Tory Ozment standing 10th (4.6 apg.). Sophomore Julia Ayrault is fifth in blocks (1.4 bpg), while fellow sophomore Alyza Winston is tied for eighth in 3-pointers made (2.1/game).
As a team, the Spartans are first in assists (21.0 apg), third in steals (9.8 spg) and fifth in blocks (4.4 bpg).
FILLING OUT THE ROSTER
During the month of December, Michigan State had three player become eligible. Junior guard Janai Crooms, a transfer from Ohio State, was cleared to play on Dec. 4 and has had an immediate impact. Against Oakland on Dec. 22, she had a season-high 10 rebounds. Penn State transfers Alisia Smith and Jayla James found out they were eligible on Dec. 22, just in time to play against Oakland. Smith, a junior forward, scored nine points in her Spartan debut.
SPARTANS AGAINST THE NCAA
After 10 games, the Spartans are currently fourth in the nation and first in the Big Ten in assists per game (21.0 apg) and fourth in the NCAA and second in the B1G assists to turnover ratio (1.62). Michigan State is 23rd and fifth in the Big Ten in turnover margin +5.50 margin. The Wildcats are first in the NCAA and first in the league (12.10).Â
ERASE HATE
Michigan State women's basketball head coach Suzy Merchant is proud to launch the Erase Hate campaign for the 2020-21 season. The Erase Hate campaign aims to put the focus on student-athlete driven programming to address social injustice issues. Throughout this season, women's basketball players work to help lift up the voices of underrepresented groups both on campus and across the Greater Lansing area.
GETTING IN THE LINEUP
Only two Spartans, Tory Ozment and Nia Clouden, have started all 10 games this season. Julia Ayrault and Alyza Winston made their seventh starts of their careers, all in the last seven games this season. Meanwhile, Clouden made her 73rd career start in playing in her 73rd career game. Ozment started for the 22nd time of her career in playing her 58th game. Taiyier Parks started for the eighth time this season in the 10 games as part of her 11th career start, while playing in her 40th career game.
MAKING IT RAIN
Against Oakland on Dec. 22, Â MSU finished with a season-high 65.0 percent shooting from the field (39-of-60), cooling off from over 70 percent partway through the fourth quarter, which would have topped the school record of 67.2 percent vs. Bowling Green (12/23/86). Michigan State's 39 field goals was also a season-best.
The Spartans also set a school record, shooting 92.3 percent in the third quarter, going 12-of-13. Nia Clouden led the way with 11 of the Spartans' 31 points. Sophomore guard Moira Joiner also scored seven points.
MASK UP, MICHIGAN
Things will look very different in the Breslin Center to start the season. Currently, there will be no fans in the stands. Starting with the game on Jan. 7, a limited number of family member of the players will be allowed. Crowd noise will be piped and the music will be going to get the players hyped up. From the comfort  of home, fans can look for familiar faces in the cardboard cutouts in the stands. All postgame media will be done via Zoom this year.
MAGIC NUMBERS
In head coach Suzy Merchant's tenure, when two numbers on the scoreboard were achieved it typically has been a sign of a MSU win. The Green & White have won 154 of their last 173 games (.890) when scoring at least 70 points, and the Spartans are 172-29 (.860) under head coach Suzy Merchant when hanging at least 70 points on the scoreboard. The Spartans are now 8-1 this season when reaching the 70-point mark with the only loss coming against Maryland on Jan. 7.
CLOSING OUT THE GAMES
The Spartans have been extremely effective closing out games over the last couple years, winning 217 of its last 230 games (.943) Â when leading with five minutes left, including 167 of their last 182. In Coach Merchant's tenure, Michigan State is 252-19 (.930) when holding a lead with five minutes left. This season, MSU is 7-0 when leading with five minutes remaining.Â
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Five Big Ten programs are appearing in this week's Associated Press and Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA)/USA Today Top 25 polls, with three others receiving votes in one or both polls. The Big Ten's five Top 25 programs are second among all conferences. Maryland (No. 7/7) and Michigan (No. 11/11) are at their highest rankings this season, with Michigan's current poll positions also the highest in the school's record book, topping the Wolverines' No. 12 rankings on Dec. 24, 2001. The Spartans' received votes in the WBCA/USA Today poll.
CLOUDEN EARNS PRESEASON HONORS
Michigan State junior guard Nia Clouden has been named Preseason All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media. During the 2019-20 campaign, Clouden finished the season first on the team in scoring, averaging 14.5 points per game, which was also eighth in the Big Ten. She also tied for 14th in the league in assists (3.3 apg) and 11th in steals (1.7 spg). Last season, Clouden captured second-team All-Big Big Ten honors after being named to the honorable mention squad as a freshman.
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