In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the No. 24 ranked Michigan State Spartans triumphed over the No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels with a final score of 66-49 in the championship game of the Cherokee Invitational held on December 22, 2025. This victory was marked by Rashunda Jones, who showcased her talent by scoring eight of her total 13 points during a pivotal third quarter. Additionally, Grace VanSlooten contributed significantly to the team’s success, achieving a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists.
At halftime, Michigan State held a narrow lead of 26-20, but quickly expanded their advantage by scoring the initial four points of the second half. Although Ole Miss managed to reduce the gap to 30-25, the Spartans responded with a dominating 17-7 run, which put them ahead 49-32 going into the final quarter. In this crucial third period, Jones made two key three-pointers while Kennedy Blair impressively scored all seven of her points, helping Michigan State shoot an outstanding 69% (9 of 13) from the field.
For Ole Miss, Cotie McMahon was the standout player, leading her team with 13 points. However, the Rebels struggled overall, with a shooting percentage of just 33% (17 of 51) and an alarming miss rate from beyond the arc, hitting only 2 of their 17 attempts.
In the earlier rounds of the tournament, Michigan State had shown its strength by overwhelming Indiana State with a score of 115-66, while Ole Miss secured a solid win against Old Dominion, finishing at 86-57.
Looking ahead, Michigan State will host Rutgers this coming Sunday, while Ole Miss is set to play Alcorn State at home on the same day.
This match was not just a testament to Michigan State's capabilities but also a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball. What do you think about the performances of both teams? Were there any surprising moments for you in this game? Share your thoughts!
