Michigan State used a big second half to remain perfect all-time against in-state rival Oakland on Tuesday night.
The Spartans turned a narrow halftime lead into a convincing victory over Oakland, topping the Grizzlies by the final score of 77-58 from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Spartans used multiple big runs to pull away in the second half for the win.
The first half was tight throughout with neither team being able to build a lead bigger than six points in the opening frame. Oakland shot way above its average from deep in the first half, which helped keep the Grizzlies within the game. When it was all said and done, Michigan State held a 31-30 lead going into the break.
Michigan State jumped on the Grizzlies to open the second half, with a 10-1 run to build a double-digit lead. Oakland would respond and get the Spartans lead back to one possession, but from that point on it was all Michigan State.
The Spartans were led in scoring by Xavier Booker, who scored 18 points off the bench. He played especially well in the second half to help Michigan State pull away from the Grizzlies. Jaden Akins (16 points) and Jaxon Kohler (14 points) also reached double-digits in scoring on the night. Kohler recorded yet another double-double, grabbing 13 rebounds for the Spartans.
With the win, Michigan State improves to 9-2 overall on the year.
Next up for Michigan State is a home game against Florida Atlantic on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff from the Breslin Center is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.