Out of their first eight games, MSU has played two at home, both wins against Florida Gulf Coast and Mississippi Valley State. Five of its other six have been played from neutral sites, including trips to Honolulu, New York City and the Bahamas. Although their destinations had some warmth and sunlight, the Spartans ended the 13,600 miles excursion with a cold shoulder.

MSU will look to players such as sophomore guard Matt McQuaid and fifth-year senior guard Eron Harris to fill the scoring void with Bridges out.

“These next few weeks are really big for us because we are not satisfied with our record right now and we want to fix it,” McQuaid said.

Their opponent for Saturday’s matchup is currently on the decline with five straight losses. Oral Roberts averages 66.4 points per game and hits the offensive glass, averaging 9.6 offensive rebounds per game. 

They have a duo down low who carries the brunt of their offensive production. Junior center Albert Owens is their leading scorer, averaging 16.3 points per game. Three time this year, Owens has poured in more than 20 points, his high 23 against their last opponent Oakland University. Freshman forward Emmanuel Nzekwesi is his partner in crime, averaging 11.1 points per game. Senior guard Jalen Bradley is their third and final double-digit scorer with 10.3 points per game.

The Golden Eagles enjoy taking their chances from downtown as well. They average 17.7 three-point attempts per game, but they only make about a third of them. In losses to Montana, Loyola (Illinois) and Baylor, the Golden Eagles shot 2-21, 6-20 and 3-13 respectively. Their highest attempt output was against Tulsa, when Oral Roberts shot 9-26 from 3-point land.

While MSU will be heavy favorites in each of these next five home games, the Spartans will have to avoid being complacent. Junior guard and team leader Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr. will have to dispel any depressions in intensity.

“We've got to take care of them and we have to take it one game at a time but it’s definitely good to be back home,” Nairn Jr. said. “We have to prepare just like it’s any other team.”

For MSU, they will look to improve to above .500. This will be game one of five straight at home which includes: Oral Roberts, Youngstown State, Tennessee Tech., Northeastern and Oakland.

Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. at Breslin Center and the game will be televised on Big Ten Network.