Despite winning the game by 13 points, Michigan State had their hands full most of the game from a scrappy Oakland team that just would not go away. The underdog Golden Grizzlies even led by as many as five points midway through the first half although at half time, Michigan State led by five, 29-24.
After the half time break, the Spartans went on a 15-2 run, increasing its lead to 18 points over the Golden Grizzlies. Shortly after that, MSU built up their biggest lead of the game going up 23 points within the first five minutes of the second half. Oakland would continue to fight back and would cut the deficit to 11 points with about two minutes left in the game but could not get any closer.
Much of the difference in the game came from the shooting performance. Michigan State shot 49% from the field (45.5% from three point range) and Oakland shot a dismal 31.7% (28% from three point range). Other key areas of dominance came from rebounds (MSU 41 vs Oakland 33). The Spartans also had 24 fast break points compared to the Golden Grizzlies 7.
MSU was led by Forward Joey Hauser with 16 points in the game. He added 4 rebounds and 4 assists as well. The Spartans also had two other players score in double figures (Jaden Akins with 15 and Tyson Walker with 13). Oakland was led in both scoring and rebounding by Keaton Hervey with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Michigan State (8-4) will host Buffalo (5-6) on December 30 in E. Lansing. Oakland (2-11) will travel and take on Milwaukee (8-4) on December 29.
Final Score: MSU 67 – Oakland 54
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