Michigan State delivers impressive win over James Madison in Cancun Challenge

MICHIGAN STATE 95, JAMES MADISON 69

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX — The Michigan State Spartans (5-0) celebrated their Thanksgiving in style at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, defeating the James Madison Dukes (4-2) by a final of 95-69 in their opening game of the 2023 Cancun Challenge Riviera Tournament.

Led by first-year head coach Robyn Fralick, the Spartans jumped ahead by the end of the first quarter 19-13, against a JMU team coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance last season.

Michigan State’s combination of defensive pressure and ball movement propelled the Spartans to a 48-32 halftime lead. Sophomore guard Abbey Kimball caught fire from beyond the arch, going 5-of-7 from three enroute to 19 points in the first half. Guard Julia Ayrault notched a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) by the break.

It was a 13-0 scoring run in the third that solidified the victory for the Spartans, with their lead growing to 23 points by the end of the quarter. Michigan State never let off the gas, outscoring JMU in each of the four quarters.

Ayrault’s career night finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds, with Kimball right behind her with 21 points of her own.

Jamia Hazell led the way for the Dukes with 19 points and 8 rebounds, followed by Peyton McDaniel’s 13 points.

Michigan State continues play at the 2023 Cancun Challenge against Creighton at 4 p.m. ET on Friday. James Madison will be the night cap of Friday’s action, facing off against Montana State at 9 p.m. ET. All games of the Cancun Challenge can be watched on FloHoops.

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