Creighton powers past Michigan State behind the hot shooting of Jensen & Maly

CREIGHTON 83, MICHIGAN STATE 69

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX —  Another game in the Cancun Challenge and another win for the Creighton Bluejays (5-1). The Michigan State Spartans (5-1) made them earn the 83-69 victory on Friday, in the first-ever meeting between the two schools, but ultimately it was the Bluejays stars that came out to shine.

Both teams posted convincing wins on Thanksgiving in their opening games of the Riviera Tournament. Creighton set the tempo throughout the first quarter, shooting 52.9% from the field with 12 points in the paint, enroute to a 24-18 lead.

Head Coach Robyn Fralick, in her first season with the Spartans, leaned on her two guards Abbey Kimball and Moira Joiner in the second quarter for a late 9-0 run. Both players found their rhythm while guiding Michigan State to a 41-39 halftime lead, each with 11 points at the break.

Creighton's Lauren Jensen and Morgan Maly continued their stellar play at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in the third quarter. The duo helped their squad outscore the Spartans 22-13 in the third and to a 61-54 lead heading to the fourth.

As history has shown, the Bluejays do not lose games at the Cancun Challenge, and Friday afternoon was no different. Creighton held on to seal the game and another outstanding performance in Mexico.

Jensen (32 points) and Maly (26 points) finished with a combined 58 points for Creighton. Emma Ronsiek recorded a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Joiner led the way for the Spartans with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Michigan State had four other players all score 11 points.

The matchup on Friday concluded play for both teams in the 2023 Cancun Challenge. Michigan State will travel to DePaul next week in Chicago for a non-conference matchup. Creighton will host Northern Iowa in Omaha on Dec. 3.

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