This season, Tate has averaged 7.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game, statistics that have notably improved since last season. She reached a career-high of 19 points in January against Purdue. Tate has been prioritizing improving her shooting and has been more of an offensive presence on the court, which has helped her reach 1,000 points.

While this is a significant achievement for Tate, she credits her teammates for their support.

"I would say it was because of all of them," Tate said. "They gave me the confidence; they do it every single day. They just tell me all the time, shoot it when you’re open and don’t think about it next play. I feel like this year, more than ever, I’ve never had so many people telling me to shoot ... I finally listened."

Head coach Robyn Fralick, who previously coached Tate at Bowling Green, has seen her develop offensively while continuing to elevate her teammates.

"We were very lucky when we came to MSU that she came with us and she’s kept developing," Fralick said. "Just a huge credit to her, she has really developed and something she has been good at her whole career is she’s always impacted winning. Her shot has developed and got better over time, but she has always impacted winning with defense, winning possessions and creating for other people. So, really proud of her."

Three other Spartans scored in double digits: VanSlooten led the team with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, junior guard Theryn Hallock added 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, and Simmons contributed 11 points, six rebounds and one steal.

MSU women’s basketball will travel to Columbus, Ohio to face Ohio State on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.