Preview: Michigan State vs. Michigan in Women’s Basketball Showdown ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Interstat) — A critical top-10 showdown with Big Ten title implications is set for Sunday when the Michigan State Spartans visit the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. The in-state rivals, separated by just 65 miles and one game in the loss column, meet for the second time in 15 days. Michigan (21-4, 11-3 Big Ten) edged Michigan State (20-5, 10-4) 94-91 in overtime in East Lansing on Feb. 1. That victory gave the Wolverines a narrow edge in a fiercely contested conference race. Sunday’s rematch offers the Spartans a chance for redemption and a season split, which could prove vital for postseason seeding. Both teams are coming off contrasting midweek performances. Michigan rolled to an 80-58 road win at Northwestern on Thursday, led by Olivia Olson’s 21 points and seven assists. Michigan State, however, was handed an 86-63 home loss by UCLA on Wednesday, a game where standout guard Rashunda Jones scored 15 points. Jones will be a focal point for the Spartans. In the first matchup, she played 37 minutes and contributed 13 points and six assists. She averages 14.3 points in her last seven games. For Michigan, Olson has been exceptional, averaging 22.1 points over her last seven contests. She dominated the first meeting with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Wolverines have won seven of their last eight, with their only stumble a 69-66 home loss to UCLA. The Spartans have been more inconsistent lately, going 4-4 in their last eight games following a 16-1 start. With both teams featuring potent offenses — Michigan averages 84.2 points per game and Michigan State 81.2 — another high-scoring affair is anticipated. The battle in the paint and on the boards will be crucial, as will the guard play between Jones and Michigan’s backcourt. Sunday’s winner will secure a pivotal tiebreaker and gain significant momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.