Preview: Michigan State Faces Mississippi in Cherokee Invitational Showdown CHEROKEE, N.C. (Interstat) — Two of the nation’s top teams collide Monday when Michigan State faces Mississippi in a marquee nonconference women’s basketball game at the 2025-26 Cherokee Invitational. The Spartans (10-1) and Rebels (12-1), each riding high after dominant victories Sunday, meet in a rare neutral-site clash of power-conference contenders. Tipoff is set for Dec. 22 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. Michigan State arrives off a 115-66 rout of Indiana State, showcasing a potent offense that has topped 90 points six times this season. Guard Emma Shumate led the way with 22 points in just 20 minutes, continuing her efficient scoring. Shumate averages 8.0 points per game but is coming off her season-high performance. Mississippi counters with its own momentum after an 86-57 road win at Old Dominion. Forward Christeen Iwuala, a consistent force for the Rebels, scored 23 points in that contest. She averages a team-leading 16.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, providing a versatile inside-out threat. Iwuala has scored in double figures in 11 of 13 games. The matchup features a stark contrast in recent competition. The Spartans’ lone loss came on the road against a tough Wisconsin squad, 78-64, on Dec. 7. Mississippi’s only defeat was a narrow 61-60 setback at Kansas State on the same date. The Rebels boast a signature 69-62 victory over then-Notre Dame on Dec. 4. Defensively, both teams have been stifling. Michigan State holds opponents to 55.2 points per game and a 32.9% field goal percentage. Mississippi allows just 54.5 points per contest and ranks seventh nationally in defensive rating. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Mississippi is projected with a 72.9% probability to win. The outcome will provide a key resume boost for either team heading into conference play. For Michigan State, the game begins a challenging stretch before Big Ten action resumes. Mississippi sees this as a final major test before opening Southeastern Conference play at home against Georgia on Jan. 1. The Spartans will look to balance their offensive attack, which features four players averaging double figures, led by Kennedy Blair at 13.5 points per game. The Rebels will rely on Iwuala and a deep roster that has seen nine different players score in double digits this season. Monday’s winner will claim a pivotal victory for NCAA tournament seeding and national perception as the calendar turns to 2026.