Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State leaned on a breakout performance from junior forward Coen Carr to escape Little Caesars Arena with a 79-70 win over Oakland, improving to 11-1 on the season. The Spartans overcame a sluggish first half where turnovers and Oakland’s hot shooting kept things tight. At halftime, MSU held a narrow 39-36 lead, struggling to find rhythm against the Golden Grizzlies’ aggressive zone defense.
The second half told a different story thanks to Carr’s career performance. The junior forward exploded for 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, adding seven rebounds. His ability to attack the rim and finish through contact gave Michigan State the spark it needed. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler also made his presence felt, adding another double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, to help MSU dominate the paint.
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(CONTINUED) Oakland didn’t go quietly. Senior forward Tuburu Naivalurua led the Grizzlies with 18 points, and the team shot 43% from 3-point range in the first half to keep the game close. But Michigan State’s depth and defensive adjustments proved decisive. Sophomore guard Kur Teng chipped in with timely 3-pointers and five assists, while the Spartans tightened up defensively.
With the win, Michigan State remains unbeaten against Oakland all time and heads into the holiday stretch riding an 11-1 record. Carr’sbreakout game could signal a turning point for the Spartans’ offense as Big Ten play looms. For Tom Izzo’s squad, surviving a tough in-state test on an NBA floor was another step toward building momentum for March.
