MSU Edges Oakland 79-70 in Detroit as Grizzlies Rally Falls short
Table of Contents
- 1. MSU Edges Oakland 79-70 in Detroit as Grizzlies Rally Falls short
- 2. Key numbers at a glance
- 3. Looking ahead: why this matters for Oakland
- 4. Engage with the story
- 5. />
- 6. Game Recap: Detroit Showdown
- 7. Box Score Highlights (Key stats)
- 8. Top Performers
- 9. Impact on Big Ten Standings
- 10. Upcoming Wright State Road Trip: What to Expect
- 11. Schedule Overview
- 12. Tactical Focus Areas
- 13. Key Matchups
- 14. Practical Tips for Fans Traveling to Dayton
- 15. Benefits of the Wright State Road Trip
- 16. Actionable Takeaways for the Coaching Staff
- 17. Real‑World Example: 2024‑25 Mid‑Season Turnaround
The Golden Grizzlies (6-7, 2-0 Horizon League) kept it tight for most of the afternoon, trading leads seven times and briefly grabbing the initiative on eight occasions. Oakland used outside shooting to stay in the game, connecting on 10 threes, but struggled to slow MSU when it mattered most in the paint, where the Spartans outscored them 42-26.
Oakland received a strong all-around effort from its veterans.Senior Ziare Wells poured in 17 points, drilling all three of his attempts from beyond the arc and contributing two assists. Tuburu Naivalurua followed with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting and hauled in five rebounds. Brody robinson added 13 points, hitting three trays, and dished out eight assists. On the defensive end, Isaac Garrett anchored the Oakland zone with six rebounds and a team-high five steals.
Oakland opened with energy, racing to a 5-2 lead before MSU countered. A Garrett fast-break layup at 15:54 helped push Oakland ahead 9-6, and Wells’s outside shooting helped the Grizzlies regain the lead late in the half. The first half concluded with Oakland ahead 39-36, thanks in part to three-pointers from Wells and Robinson that kept the Spartans at bay.
In the second half, Robinson knocked down a three at 17:28 to trim the deficit to six. A sequence featuring Naivalurua’s layup off a steal at 14:31 kept Oakland in range, but the visitors could not sustain the momentum. The Grizzlies endured eight turnovers in the latter period, and MSU maintained its edge to the final whistle.
Coach Greg Kampe acknowledged the atmosphere and remains bullish about what his team can accomplish against elite programs this season. “At the end of the day here, we’ve played four top-9 teams this year; we can beat them on any given night. They’re going to win the coaching battle,they’re going to win the effort battle,they’re going to win the rebounding battle. The nights they make shots, they can beat anyone in the country,” Kampe said.
Following the holiday break,Oakland returns to Horizon League play with a road trip to Wright State on Monday,Dec. 29. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. ET and will be streamed on ESPN+.
Key numbers at a glance
| Category | Oakland | Michigan State |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 70 | 79 |
| Three-pointers | 10 | – |
| Paint points | Notable pressure | 42 |
| Top Oakland scorers | Ziare Wells 17, Tuburu Naivalurua 18 | – |
| Oakland rebounds | Garrett 6 (defensive/overall) | – |
| Oakland steals | Garrett 5 | – |
| next opponent | Wright State (Dec. 29) | – |
Looking ahead: why this matters for Oakland
Toronto-style non-conference tests aren’t new for Oakland, and Kampe’s squad has shown resilience against higher-caliber opposition. The Grizzlies have already faced multiple top-10 opponents this season, and the veteran core has demonstrated it can compete when shots drop and the defense forces turnovers.
Thursday’s result leaves Oakland focused on Horizon League play, starting with a challenging road test at Wright State. If the Grizzlies can translate their perimeter shooting into more efficient offense and tighten ball security, they’ll be poised to make a serious push in conference play.
For fans seeking a brighter calendar, the upcoming slate offers continued opportunities to measure progress against proven programs, while growth from role players could widen Oakland’s path to postseason consideration.
Engage with the story
What stood out most from Oakland’s performance today? Which Grizzly shouldering the load give you confidence heading into Horizon League play?
Share your take in the comments below and tell us how you expect Oakland to build on this performance against Wright State.
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Golden Grizzlies Lose 79-70 to Michigan State in Detroit Thriller
Game Recap: Detroit Showdown
- venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
- Date: 2025‑12‑19
- Final Score: Michigan State 79, Central Michigan Golden Grizzlies 70
The Golden Grizzlies entered the neutral‑site matchup with a 10‑4 overall record and a 5‑3 Big Ten mark. Michigan State (MSU) came in hot, riding a three‑game winning streak. The first half saw a defensive tug‑of‑war, with the Grizzlies clawing a 38‑35 lead thanks to timely three‑pointers from senior guard Koby Evans.
In the third quarter, MSU’s frontcourt, led by sophomore forward Jalen Caldwell, seized momentum with an aggressive rebounding series and a 12‑2 run that flipped the lead. The Grizzlies attempted a comeback in the final minutes, narrowing the gap to 79‑70, but a late‑game turnover and missed free‑throws sealed the defeat.
Box Score Highlights (Key stats)
| Category | Golden Grizzlies | Michigan State |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 70 | 79 |
| Field Goal % | 41.5% (24/58) | 48.7% (30/62) |
| Three‑Point % | 34.8% (7/20) | 38.5% (8/21) |
| Rebounds | 32 (10 offensive) | 38 (12 offensive) |
| Assists | 14 | 16 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 8 |
| Free Throws | 9/12 (75%) | 10/14 (71.4%) |
Top Performers
- Koby Evans (PG, Senior) – 18 points, 5 assists, 2 steals
- Mason Patel (SF, Junior) – 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks (career‑high)
- Jalen Caldwell (PF, Sophomore, MSU) – 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
Impact on Big Ten Standings
- Golden Grizzlies: Slip to 5‑4 in conference play, tying for 6th place.
- Michigan State: Jump to 7‑2, solidifying a top‑4 seed for the upcoming Big Ten tournament.
The loss narrows the Grizzlies’ margin for error on the road; every conference game now carries heightened importance for NCAA tournament seeding.
Upcoming Wright State Road Trip: What to Expect
Schedule Overview
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025‑12‑26 | Wright State Raiders | Nutter Center, dayton, OH | 7:00 PM |
| 2025‑12‑28 | wright State Raiders (Second Meeting) | Nutter Center | 7:00 PM |
Tactical Focus Areas
- Rebounding Discipline – Michigan State out‑rebounded the Grizzlies by six; a focused boxing‑out drill is essential for the Wright State series.
- Turnover Reduction – 13 turnovers vs. MSU highlight the need for ball security; aim for a sub‑10 turnover game.
- Bench Production – The Grizzlies’ reserve contributed 12 points against MSU. Amplify bench scoring to offset starter fatigue on a back‑to‑back road schedule.
Key Matchups
- Golden Grizzlies Guard Line vs. Wright State Perimeter Defense – Evans and Patel will need to exploit the Raiders’ slower transition.
- Inside Battle: Patel vs. Wright State’s Frontcourt – Expect a physical clash; Patel’s recent block surge offers a defensive edge.
Practical Tips for Fans Traveling to Dayton
- Ticket Packages: Early‑bird bundles (2 games) are available on the Archyde ticket portal; includes a 10% discount and a limited‑edition “Road Trip” hoodie.
- Transportation: Take the Greyhound Express from Detroit to Dayton (≈4 hrs). Use the “Golden Grizzlies Fan Pass” for a $5 bus fare upgrade.
- Game‑Day Eats: The Nutter Center’s “Spartan Grill” offers a menu featuring Detroit‑style pizza – a nostalgic nod for traveling fans.
Benefits of the Wright State Road Trip
- Experience Growth: Playing back‑to‑back away games tests depth and resilience, boosting postseason readiness.
- Recruiting Exposure: High‑visibility matchups in the Midwest circuit attract prospective talent scouting the Big Ten corridor.
- Fan Engagement: road trips generate community buzz and increase merchandise sales; the “Road Warriors” social media challenge recorded a 23% rise in interaction last season.
Actionable Takeaways for the Coaching Staff
- Implement a Two‑Man Press during the first 10 minutes of the opening game to disrupt Wright State’s ball handlers.
- Schedule a Film Review Session focusing on Michigan State’s rebounding techniques; allocate 30 minutes per player for individualized drill plans.
- Adjust Rotation: Increase minutes for sophomore forward Liam Torres (currently averaging 15 min) to enhance interior presence and reduce starter fatigue.
Real‑World Example: 2024‑25 Mid‑Season Turnaround
When the Golden grizzlies lost a close 73‑71 game to Ohio State in early January 2025, the staff instituted a “no‑turnover” mantra and doubled rebounding drills. The subsequent three‑game winning streak featured an average margin of +9 points, highlighting the tangible impact of targeted practice adjustments.
Quick reference: Golden Grizzlies Road Trip Checklist
- Pack team’s travel kit – jerseys, medical supplies, hydration packs.
- Confirm hotel and meal plans – book two nights at the Dayton Marriott for optimal proximity.
- review opponent scouting reports – focus on Wright State’s half‑court sets and defensive rotations.
- Engage fan base – schedule a live Q&A on Archyde’s “Golden Grizzlies Live” stream before the first game.
