5 Observations: Michigan State tops Oakland for 2nd straight win

The Spartans make it two victories in a row, topping Oakland in their annual matchup against the Golden Grizzlies...

Author:
Matthew Lounsberry
Publish date:
Dec 18, 2023 9:00 PM EST

In this story:

Michigan State men's basketball won its second consecutive game tonight with a 79-62 victory over Oakland in the annual matchup between the Spartans and Golden Grizzlies. Here are five observations from the game...

1.) Took time for MSU to figure out Oakland's zone D

Michigan State easily had its best offensive performance of the season on Saturday against Baylor, but the Spartans struggled in the early-goings tonight against Oakland's patented 2-3 matchup-zone defense. Through the first 12 minutes, MSU shot just 7-of-20 (35%) from the floor and 2-for-7 (29%) from beyond the three point line.

Facing a mid-major opponent on a Monday night was a ripe spot for a letdown following Michigan State's 24-point victory over a Top 10 opponent. Throw in the fact that the Spartans were on short rest and facing a totally different style of defense than they're used to and we shouldn't be surprised by the slow start.

Michigan State started to break through in the final eight minutes of the first half by getting out on the fast break and hunting buckets before the Grizzlies could get their defense set. The Spartans finished with 20 points in transition, and that jumpstarted their offense for the rest of the night. MSU ended up shooting 29-of-59 (49%) from the floor, 9-of-21 (43%) from 3-point range and 12-of-16 (75%) from the free throw line.

2.) The Spartans defense remained stout

While Michigan State's offense was sluggish early, the defensive prowess that the Spartans displayed against Baylor showed up at the Breslin Center again tonight. Oakland likes to fire away from three-point range and they've got some guys who can fill the cup, but MSU made it difficult throughout the evening for the Grizzlies.

Oakland shot just 37% from the field (23-of-63) and 31% from deep (9-of-29), and Michigan State defended well without fouling for the most part. The Grizzlies attempted just 10 foul shots on the night, making seven. Former MSU guard Rocket Watts deserves a shoutout for his performance, as he scored 16 points on an impressive 7-of-10 shooting against his old teammates tonight.

We know Michigan State's offense will come and go at times, so the kind of stout, hard-nosed defense its shown in these last two games is what it's going to take for the Spartans to get themselves back on track and compete with the better teams on their schedule.

3.) MSU's big men played well again

Michigan State centers Mady Sissoko and Carson Cooper have responded well to being challenged by head coach Tom Izzo after the loss to Nebraska. Both played well on Saturday against the Bears, and they were good again tonight against Oakland. Sissoko and Cooper each scored seven points and grabbed eight rebounds apiece, and both centers shot 3-for-3 from the floor. The Spartan bigs are never going to carry the scoring load for MSU, but this team needs production from the five spot and its gotten that in these past two wins.

Meanwhile, freshman Xavier Booker did not check in until there were 13 minutes left in the game, with MSU ahead by double-digits. He showed off his shooting stroke again tonight with another 3-pointer and totaled five points, one rebound, a steal and a blocked shot in seven minutes of action.

4.) Tyson Walker eclipses 1,000 career points at MSU

Graduate senior Tyson Walker started his career at Northeastern University, but there's no doubt he'll be remembered most by what he's accomplished at Michigan State. On Monday, Walker eclipsed 1,000 career points as a Spartan with 14 against Oakland. The fifth-year senior scored 680 points in two years at Northeastern, giving him 1,681 total for his college career.

As a whole, it was more of a balanced effort from Michigan State's backcourt tonight. A.J. Hoggard had an excellent floor game 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and blocked shot. Jaden Akins had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots. Tre Holloman added eight points and four assists. A nice, well-rounded performance for the Spartan backcourt.

5.) Rebounding concerns remain

Overall, it was a pretty good night for Michigan State and the Spartans look like they've got some of their mojo back after Saturday's dominant win and taking care of business tonight.

With that said, Michigan State is still giving up too many offensive rebounds. Oakland came away with 16 offensive rebounds tonight, which it converted into 11 second-chance points. Izzo thought the Grizzlies were getting away with pushing his players from behind and going over their back to get some of those offensive rebounds, and the head coach drew a technical foul arguing his case in the second half. Izzo probably had a beef, but he won't make excuses at his postgame presser. MSU has to continue to work on securing its own defensive glass.

For more coverage of Michigan State Athletics: