Michigan State Survives Oakland, But Effort Raises Eyebrows in 79–70 Win at LCA
Watching the Michigan State Spartans beat the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 79–70 on Saturday afternoon felt less like a statement win and more like a box that needed checking.
Yes, Michigan State moved to 11–1.
Yes, they won by nine.
But sitting inside Little Caesars Arena, it never really felt like the Spartans put their foot down — or wanted to.
Oakland hung around. Too comfortably. Too long.
And while December wins don’t have to be pretty, this one left more questions than confidence. Consider this: Michigan handled Oakland by 43 points earlier this season. That comparison alone probably doesn’t sit well with Coach Izzo. Does it mean everything? No. Does it mean nothing? Not quite. But it does raise a fair question about why the Spartans labored here while the Wolverines didn’t.
Neutral-Site Games: Nobody Really Wins
First things first — neutral-site college basketball games are a tough sell.
This was technically a home game for Michigan State, but it didn’t feel like Breslin, and it sure didn’t feel hostile for Oakland either. The building was mostly full, but the energy never quite matched the moment. Frankly, I’d rather watch this matchup inside Oakland’s O’rena — limited seating, tighter sightlines, real edge — than a half-home, half-neutral setup that mostly benefits the venue.
College hoops thrives on atmosphere. This one muted it.
The Shooting Was… Not Good
From the opening tip, Michigan State’s perimeter shooting looked uncomfortable. Forced. Hesitant.
The Spartans finished 6-for-22 from three (27%), and that number felt generous given how many of those attempts came early in the shot clock or with better options available. There were long stretches where Oakland’s zone baited MSU into settling — and the Spartans happily took the bait.
This wasn’t sharp offense. It was functional offense.
Coen Carr: Big Game, Big Question
Let’s talk about Coen Carr, because the stat line tells only half the story.
Carr led MSU with 22 points and deserves credit for being aggressive, attacking gaps, and finishing around the rim. But here’s the thing — why is he shooting threes?
Carr is now 5-for-22 from deep on the season (22%), and you could feel the collective groan in the arena every time he lined one up. There was a moment that perfectly summed it up: Carr caught the ball in the corner, looked ready to launch… then put it on the floor, blew past his defender, and scored an easy layup.
That’s his game. Everyone in the building knew it.
When he plays downhill, he’s dangerous. When he floats on the perimeter, it neutralizes what makes him special. Saturday reinforced that point loud and clear.
Michigan State Won Where It Should
If there was a clear separator, it was physicality.
Michigan State punished Oakland on the glass 42–26 and dominated the paint 42–26 — a strange coincidence, but an important one. That rebounding margin kept Oakland from turning hot shooting into real momentum.
Jaxon Kohler was excellent again, posting 13 points and 13 rebounds, continuing to be one of the most reliable pieces on the floor. Carson Cooper added 15 points and three blocks, anchoring the interior and cleaning up mistakes.
The Spartans also finished with 11 blocks, erasing several Oakland drives that could’ve flipped the game late.
Jeremy Fears Jr.: A Concerning Quiet Stretch
This was another tough afternoon for Jeremy Fears Jr., and it’s becoming harder to ignore.
In 31 minutes, Fears scored 2 points, shooting 1-for-6, with five assists. Against Oakland, that’s survivable. Against top-tier Big Ten teams, it’s not.
Earlier this season, it felt like Fears might be turning a corner. Right now, he looks stuck — tentative offensively and unable to pressure the defense. Michigan State needs more assertiveness from the point guard spot, especially in games where the offense bogs down.
This isn’t panic time — but it’s definitely something to monitor.
Oakland Didn’t Back Down — MSU Let Them Hang Around
Give Oakland credit. They came in juiced, confident, and fearless, hitting 10 threes and trailing by just three at halftime.
But Michigan State also allowed it.
There were moments when it felt like the Spartans were content to trade baskets instead of delivering the knockout punch. That’s fine in December — until it becomes a habit. Against better teams, playing down to the competition usually backfires.
Stat Capsule 🏀
Final: Michigan State 79, Oakland 70
Location: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit)
Shooting
- MSU: 46% FG | 27% 3PT (6-22)
- Oakland: 43% FG | 45% 3PT (10-22)
Physical Edge
- Rebounds: MSU +16 (42–26)
- Points in the Paint: MSU +16 (42–26)
- Blocks: MSU 11
Game Leaders
- Coen Carr: 22 pts, 7 reb
- Jaxon Kohler: 13 pts, 13 reb
- Carson Cooper: 15 pts, 3 blk
The Bottom Line
Michigan State won the game it was supposed to win. But from inside the building, it didn’t feel like a performance that raises ceilings — it felt like one that reinforces questions.
Effort was uneven. Shooting was shaky. Oakland was allowed to linger.
Tom Izzo teams usually clean this stuff up. And December is still the right time to be working through it.
But if this version of Michigan State shows up against top competition, the margin for error shrinks fast.
Did you feel the Spartans played down to the competition, or did Oakland provide genuine competition? Drop a comment below, or join the conversation in the Spartans Sound Off — where fans break down every game, every angle.”
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
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