Breaking Down MSU's Upcoming Annual Matchup vs. Oakland
In this story:
Michigan State-Oakland is not exactly a "rivalry," but it's always something to look forward to on the Spartans' and Golden Grizzlies' schedules every single year.
Saturday's matchup will mark the 21st consecutive year that these two programs will face one another. MSU and Tom Izzo own a perfect 23-0 record over OU and Greg Kampe in the all-time series. Izzo is in his 31st year as Michigan State's head coach; Kampe is in year 42 leading Oakland, which dates back to when the Grizzlies were at the Division II level and in the GLIAC.
Even though there will be much pageantry on Saturday, from Izzo and Kampe donning ugly Christmas sweaters to the Detroit Pistons logos everywhere at Little Caesars Arena, there is still a basketball game to be played.
On this episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, let's break down the what is Michigan State's final contest before reaching Christmas break, and also the team's second-to-last non-conference game of the regular season.
Watch the MSU Spartans Insider Podcast here:
Key Players for Oakland
G Brody Robinson
The Golden Grizzlies' best player so far has been senior guard Brody Robinson, who transferred to Oakland this offseason from UT Arlington. Robinson will be a challenging assignment for Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr., as he averages a team-high 16.3 points, 6.1 assists (2.0 turnovers), and 1.3 steals per contest.
Robinson is particularly adept at drawing fouls. He's already attempted 88 free throws this season and has made 62 of them, which comes out to 70.5%. For additional reference, Fears leads the Spartans in attempts at the charity stripe with 54. Robinson can also shoot it very well from deep, sporting a 37.5% clip from three-point range thus far.
F Isaac Garrett
Another big part of Oakland's core is JUCO transfer Isaac Garrett, who joined the Golden Grizzlies this season after two years at Snow College in Utah. Garrett has had no issue with the transition to joining the Division I ranks, as he's averaging 15.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Garrett has also played great against other top teams on the Grizzlies' schedule. Oakland's first four D-I opponents were against current AP No. 2 Michigan, No. 6 Purdue, No. 8 Houston, and UCF, all of those games being on the road. Garrett scored at least 20 points in three of those games, with the Boilermakers holding him to 10 points.
F Michael Houge
Another one of Kampe's transfer portal pickups is Michael Houge, a Detroit native who began at the junior college level before making stops at Saint Peter's and Jacksonville State.
Houge has made a big impact after missing Oakland's first five games of the season. Across seven games now and six starts, he's at 14.5 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. Houge shifts between playing the four and the five a lot, which will make MSU's defensive plan for him interesting.
F Tuburu Naivalurua
Tuburu Naivalurua is in his third season with Oakland, but he's still one of Kampe's many former junior college players, as well. Naiavalurua's first year at OU was the season the Golden Grizzlies reached the NCAA Tournament and upset No. 3 seed Kentucky, for which he was a bench contributor.
Naiavalurua became a full-time starter last season and is still in such a role this year. He's putting up 12.8 points per game thus far, along with 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He usually plays the five, making him the main assignment for MSU's Carson Cooper and occasionally Jaxon Kohler. Naiavalurua can also space the floor a bit and is willing to shoot from deep, though he's only at 28% so far this season.
G Ziare Wells
Oakland's fifth and final player who is averaging at least 10 points per game so far is guard Ziare Wells. He usually is the Golden Grizzlies' two-guard, but will also slide over to the three on occasion. The JUCO trend for Kampe's squad continues here, as Wells began his collegiate career at Monroe Community College. Wells was at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne last season as well, where he averaged 16.6 points per game.
Now at the D-I level and at Oakland, Wells is a starter, averaging 10.1 points per game and 5.3 rebounds.
Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on MSU's win vs. Toledo when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Spartans when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW
Last Episode - Talking Through MSU's Interesting Game vs Toledo
A 2025 graduate from Michigan State University, Cotsonika brings a wealth of experience covering the Spartans from Rivals and On3 to his role as Michigan State Spartans Beat Writer on SI. At Michigan State, he was also a member of the world-renowned Spartan marching band for two seasons.
Follow jacobcotsonika