MSU looked promising at the start, especially after a week in which they traveled to and from Virginia to see their ACC/Big Ten matchup canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The green and white started the game shooting 62.5% from the field, and 50% from behind the arc, looking as if they were on track to one of their best shooting performances of the season.

However, in the minutes that ensued the one where the Spartans took a near ten-point lead, MSU suffered a scoring drought that squashed all of their early momentum. 

Oakland’s defense caused some problems for MSU, specifically when it came to ball security. The Spartans turned it over 18 times, leading to 18 Grizzly points off turnovers. The Grizzlies also had 11 steals, seven of which they took in the first half.

With just under 10 minutes to go until the half, MSU had made just two shots of their last 10 attempts. Their shooting percentage sunk to 46.9% overall entering the half leading 44-40.

Oakland stayed competitive riding on the back of junior guard Rashad Williams. Williams started the season for the Grizzlies timid, but against MSU he marked his second consecutive game scoring over 30 points. He ended the afternoon with 36 points, 23 of which he scored in the first half.

Coming out of the locker room for the latter half of the matchup, MSU sailed on a 13-0 run that brought back some of that energy they had established earlier. 

Graduate student guard Joshua Langford and sophomore guard Rocket Watts both put up a quick five points in the second half, helping contribute to a Spartan score that was largely lead by junior forward Aaron Henry throughout the first half.

MSU dominated the boards, which helped them separate themselves from the Grizzlies as well. The Spartans won the battle at the boards by a 52-20 margin.

The Spartans broke the 100-point mark for the first time this season off a layup from redshirt junior guard Jack Hoiberg.

Henry finished with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Junior forward Gabe Brown finished with a career high 20 points, 14 of which he scored in the second half.

Including Henry and Brown, seven total Spartans scored in double digits.

Michigan State men’s basketball will enter Big Ten play with a perfect 6-0 record.

MSU will travel to Northwestern to begin Big Ten play at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20.