Preview: Michigan State vs. Indiana State CHEROKEE, N.C. (Interstat) — The surging Michigan State women’s basketball team, ranked nationally, looks to continue its dominant non-conference play when it faces Indiana State at Cherokee Arena on Sunday. The Spartans (9-1) have won eight of their last nine, including a 90-46 rout of DePaul on Dec. 14 where they shot 54% from the field. Their lone loss came at Wisconsin on Dec. 7. Indiana State (4-5) seeks consistency after a 97-77 home loss to Drake on Dec. 17. The Sycamores have struggled against high-major opponents, falling to Butler 101-56 on Dec. 11. Michigan State is led by guard Rashunda Jones, who averages 12.8 points and 4.0 assists per game. Jones scored 18 points in 26 minutes in a win over Temple on Nov. 28 and had 16 points at Clemson on Nov. 30. Forward Kennedy Blair added 16 points in the win over DePaul. For Indiana State, guard Kennedy Claybrooks is a key facilitator, averaging 4.3 assists. Tierney Kelsey leads the scoring effort, posting 18 points against Drake. The Spartans’ offense has been prolific, scoring 90 or more points in five games this season, including a 125-point outing against Mercyhurst on Nov. 4. They average 86.7 points per game. Indiana State averages 74.2 points but allows 77.0 per game. Containing Michigan State’s transition offense and balanced scoring will be the primary challenge for the Sycamores. This is the first meeting between the programs since 1993. Michigan State faces Old Dominion on Monday. Indiana State opens Missouri Valley Conference play at Illinois State on Dec. 29.