Michigan State and Western Michigan at Central Michigan

Recap

The Big Storyline: The Spartans came out on top in this one by the slimmest margin possible in NCAA gym after counting a low number on bars and seeing more 9.700s than they would prefer on vault. Central Michigan finally put together a complete meet to join the 196 club on the season. The Broncos have fallen fully back to Earth so far this month after a stunning January, also after an increase in low numbers on vault and bars.

Implications: Western Michigan did enough to stay ahead of Kent State on a superb night for the Flashes and will remain atop the MAC. Central Michigan will move ahead of idle Eastern Michigan but will still be looking to climb higher in the conference ranks. The Spartans proved that even an off night can go mid-196 and will remain solidly in third in the Big Ten. However, keep in mind the conference seeds the championship by conference win-loss, not by standing.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 15 Michigan State and No. 23 Western Michigan at No. 49 Central Michigan

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Look at that Broncos ranking. Just look at it! Western Michigan is having itself a year. Never mind Michigan State, which has sat comfortably at No. 15 for weeks now. Both teams are on a mission. Western Michigan will be hoping to bounce back from a rocky day at Kentucky last week. Central Michigan will be in the opposite position, looking to build on a season-best last week and push toward 196.

Need More Proof? The Spartans have stacked lineups, from Gabi Stephen’s 9.950-capable Yurchenko full to Jori Jackard’s stellar bar work and Skyla Schulte’s dynamic floor routine. That doesn’t even include Baleigh Garcia’s impeccable beam set! The list is endless. For Western Michigan, all-arounder and freshman Sarah Moravansky has emerged as a star, and Payton Murphy is back to her winning ways. Ronni Binstock can also be excellent on floor. The Chippewas’ duo of Sierra Demarinis and Hannah DeMers do can’t-miss gymnastics.