Michigan State Survives Oakland’s Upset Bid Behind Carr’s Career Night
Detroit - Greg Kampe and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies came into Little Caesars Arena hoping to unwrap an early Christmas miracle. For a good stretch of Saturday’s matchup, it looked like they just might pull it off.
But in the end, No. 9 Michigan State found its footing in the second half, leaned on its depth, and pulled away for a 79-70 win in front of a Spartans-friendly crowd.
This was a game that reminded us just how thin the margin can be between a mid-major upset and a top-10 team surviving a scare. Oakland led for nearly 10 minutes in the first half, pushed Michigan State deep into the second, and got big-time performances from its starters. But ultimately, the Spartans’ size, bench production, and second-chance points proved to be the difference.
Coen Carr Delivers a Statement Game
Michigan State didn’t just win - it got a breakout performance from Coen Carr, who poured in a career-high 22 points. Carr was everywhere: attacking the rim, hitting from midrange, and finding ways to score in the half court when Oakland shut down transition opportunities.
He didn’t get many of the highlight-reel dunks that have become his signature, but he didn’t need them. This was a mature, efficient performance from a player who’s steadily growing into a key role.
Carr’s impact was felt early and often. After Michigan State fell behind 14-9, Carr checked back in and immediately sparked the offense with a layup and an assist on a three-pointer.
He shook off the protective goggles he started the game with - a precaution after taking a poke to the eye in practice - and went to work. By the time the first half ended, he had already made his presence felt.
And in the second half, he kept coming.
Spartans Lean on Depth and Paint Production
Michigan State’s bench outscored Oakland’s 27-2 - and that wasn’t just a stat, it was the story. With the starters struggling to separate early, it was the Spartans’ second unit that gave them a lift.
Carson Cooper added 15 points, including a pair of emphatic dunks late in the first half that gave Michigan State a 39-36 lead at the break. Jaxon Kohler chipped in 13, and freshman Kur Teng added 10, including a key three-pointer to open the second half.
The Spartans also dominated inside, scoring 42 points in the paint and grabbing nine offensive rebounds in the first half alone. Those second-chance opportunities were crushing for Oakland, which didn’t register a single point off the offensive glass in the opening 20 minutes.
One of the defining plays came with 4:28 to go. Michigan State was clinging to a 68-62 lead when Jeremy Fears Jr. missed a free throw.
Cooper crashed the glass, hauled in the rebound, and extended the possession - which eventually led to a trip to the line for freshman Jordan Scott. It wasn’t flashy, but it was the kind of gritty, winning play that helped the Spartans keep Oakland at arm’s length.
Oakland Pushes, But Can’t Close the Gap
Give Oakland credit: they didn’t back down. Forward Tuburu Naivalurua scored 18 points, including 11 in the second half, and kept chipping away at Michigan State’s lead. His back-to-back layups midway through the half trimmed the deficit to six, and for a moment, it felt like the upset was within reach.
Ziare Wells added 17 points and hit some timely threes, including one late that again brought the Grizzlies within six. But every time Oakland got close, Michigan State answered - usually with a rebound, a second-chance bucket, or a trip to the line.
Point guard Brody Robinson had 13 points and eight assists, but also struggled with turnovers early in the second half, including a costly bad pass that helped Michigan State build a 10-point cushion. He settled in with a three, but the damage was done - the Spartans had seized control.
A First Half Full of Swings
The first half was a back-and-forth chess match. Oakland led for over nine minutes and hit six threes, including a deep ball from Robinson that put the Grizzlies up 32-30 with just over three minutes left.
Michigan State responded with a strong close to the half, sparked by Carr and Cooper. The Spartans went into the break up three, but it was clear they were in for a fight.
Oakland’s inability to get anything from its bench or second-chance opportunities in the first half loomed large. Michigan State, meanwhile, was already showing signs of its depth advantage, with 15 bench points and 10 second-chance points before halftime.
Final Push and Closing Time
Oakland made one last push late in the game, but Michigan State’s size and rebounding sealed it. Even when the Spartans went deep into the bench - including third-string point guard Denham Wojcik - they managed to keep the Grizzlies at bay. Wojcik had a rough closeout on a late three from Brett White, which gave Oakland its first bench points with just over a minute to play, but by then, the outcome was all but decided.
Tom Izzo’s squad improves to 11-1 on the season and remains undefeated in Big Ten play. For Oakland, it’s another near-miss in a rivalry that’s been one-sided on paper but competitive on the court. Kampe’s crew may not have gotten the win, but they showed once again that they’re not afraid of the moment.
In a game full of momentum swings, big performances, and gritty possessions, Michigan State’s depth and rebounding were the steadying forces. And with Carr playing like a rising star, the Spartans showed once again why they’re a team built for March - even in December.