Michigan State’s 79-70 victory over Oakland was far from routine, showcasing the Spartans’ resilience and a legendary coaching friendship that added a unique chapter to this in-state rivalry.
The final score from Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, 79-70, tells only part of the story. The ninth-ranked Michigan State Spartans did what was expected—they defeated the Oakland Golden Grizzlies for the 24th consecutive time, a streak dating back to 1998. But the path to this victory was anything but straightforward, revealing the gritty identity of this Tom Izzo squad and the persistent threat Oakland continues to pose under Greg Kampe.
While the game was a showcase for emerging talent, the night belonged to the two Hall of Fame coaches. In a display of camaraderie that defines college basketball, Izzo and Kampe coordinated to wear custom-made holiday sweaters. Izzo’s featured the phrase “naughty list” with a cartoon of him vehemently arguing with a referee, a nod to his famously fiery sideline demeanor. Kampe’s, labeled “nice list,” depicted him bumping fists with an official.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Deal
The game was a tale of two halves. Oakland, playing with nothing to lose, controlled much of the opening period and built a seven-point lead, stunning the pro-Spartan crowd. The Grizzlies’ offensive execution, led by Tuburu Naivalurua’s 18 points and Ziare Wells’s 17 points, consistently punctured the MSU defense.
The Spartans’ response in the second half was catalyzed by sophomore forward Coen Carr. After a quiet first half, Carr exploded for 16 of his game-high 22 points, providing the athletic bursts and finishing around the rim that have become his trademark. His energy shifted the game’s momentum irrevocably in MSU’s favor.
He was complemented by the interior presence of Jaxon Kohler, who notched his seventh double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds. This dominant performance on the glass was the ultimate difference-maker; Michigan State outrebounded Oakland 42-26, resulting in a crucial +10 advantage in second-chance points.
Persistent Concerns Amidst Victory
Despite moving to 11-1 on the season, the victory highlighted a recurring concern for the Spartans: perimeter shooting. The team connected on just 6 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc, a 27.3% clip that continues a season-long trend of inconsistency from deep. This weakness could be exploited by more formidable opponents in Big Ten play and beyond, as detailed in the latest AP Top 25 poll analysis.
For Oakland, falling to 6-7, the game serves as another example of their ability to compete with high-major programs. The effort reinforces their status as a perennial force in the Horizon League and a team capable of making noise in March, a narrative consistently tracked by college basketball beat reporters.
What This Means Moving Forward
For Michigan State, this game is a quintessential “Izzo-era” win. It was not flashy or overwhelmingly dominant, but it was built on toughness, rebounding, and a will to grind out a result against a motivated in-state opponent. It’s the type of victory that builds character and prepares a team for the rigors of conference play.
The Spartans now break for the holidays before hosting Cornell on December 29th. The focus will immediately shift to shoring up their three-point shooting and maintaining their defensive intensity for a full 40 minutes.
Oakland, meanwhile, can take immense confidence from pushing a national title contender to the wire. They open Horizon League play at Wright State on December 29th, and this performance against MSU proves they have the talent to compete for a conference championship.
Beyond the stats and the standings, the game was a celebration of a coaching friendship that has enriched basketball in Michigan. The sight of Izzo and Kampe on the sideline in their festive sweaters was a reminder of the sport’s human element, a brief respite from the high-stakes competition.
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