Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions vs. Oakland in Week 6
The annual Oakland versus Michigan State basketball game is upon us and here’s what our staff believes will take place during this year’s matchup.
Saturday’s matchup between Michigan State and Oakland is an intriguing one for Spartans and Golden Grizzlies everywhere as the two teams have gone at it for over a decade. This in-state battle isn’t necessarily a rivalry as it’s been one-sided, but Greg Kampe’s squad always comes to play.
Must Read: MSU Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. Oakland
Expect much of the same this season as the Golden Grizzlies, despite a 6-4 record, have three elite scoring options who could give the Spartans a tough time.
What does the Spartan Avenue staff think of Saturday afternoon’s matchup?
Connor Muldowney: This is going to be another tough battle for the Spartans in the history of this series. Michigan State and Oakland are going to play a back-and-forth first half before the Spartans finally pull away in the second thanks to some big shots from Josh Langford and Cassius Winston. The post play will also be a difference for the Spartans as they will need keep Jalen Hayes in check, for the most part. Unfortunately, the Spartans’ streak of holding opponents under 65 points will end.
Final Score: Oakland 72, Michigan State 91
Stephen Robb: If Michigan State brings to this game the same intensity that it did for the Rutgers game, then this could be somewhat competitive. However, Tom Izzo will be on his players to be working hard. Syracuse blew Oakland out 74-50. Kansas won big with a 102-59 score. There is no reason to believe MSU can’t win big as well. Martez Walker for Oakland is the player to watch for. He scored 40 against Western Michigan. He’s averaging over 21 points per game. Kendrick Nunn is a solid player who could also hurt the Spartans. This is a senior-heavy Oakland squad. However, MSU wins.
Final Score: Oakland 63, Michigan State 88
Adam Zdroik: I originally had Oakland pulling off an extreme upset in this game, but the Golden Grizzlies are struggling to get anything going. In addition to Jalen Hayes missing the first four games, Kendrick Nunn is dealing with an ankle sprain. Throw in the recent injury to young big man James Beck and it’s been a mess. Hayes and Isaiah Brock will give the Spartans some fight down low, but it won’t be enough. The inside numbers are even worse for the Grizzlies. They rarely force turnovers and get blocked more than any other D1 team. That’s not going to work well against the Spartans.
Final Score: Oakland 63, Michigan State 85
Michael Briggs: Two years ago, top-ranked Michigan State needed overtime to beat Oakland 99-93 at The Palace. The Spartans hope this road trip to the Detroit Pistons’ home court doesn’t provide a similarly-close outcome. The Golden Grizzlies have a talented squad capable of giving MSU a scare, with senior Illinois transfer Kendrick Nunn (21.7 points per game), senior guard Martez Walker (21.2 ppg) and senior forward Jalen Hayes (19.3 ppg) leading the way.
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That said, Izzo has publicly mentioned that he believes this is Oakland’s best squad under head coach Greg Kampe, so you know the Spartans will not take them lightly. After consecutive tight games against Rutgers and Southern Utah, Michigan State has shown it does not fold under pressure against teams shooting for the upset, either. Oakland will play the Spartans tough for most of the first half, but this MSU squad is too focused to let OU hang around for much longer than that. Tune in for some highlight plays worthy of the setting from Michigan State’s future NBA stars Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Final Score: Oakland 63, Michigan State 80