5 Key Takeaways From Michigan State Basketball's Latest Victory: Who Won The MSU Game?
Michigan State University (MSU) Men's Basketball won their most recent contest, grinding out a tough victory over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The Spartans secured the win on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in a hard-fought 'Motown Showdown' that saw the Green and White pull away in the second half thanks to a career-defining performance from one of their junior forwards. This critical non-conference win sends the team into the holiday break with strong momentum as they prepare for the grueling Big Ten schedule ahead.
The final score of the highly anticipated in-state rivalry game was 79-70, with the No. 9-ranked Spartans overcoming a persistent and well-coached Oakland squad. The game, played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, provided a significant test of MSU’s depth and resilience, proving that the team can win even when not playing their best basketball early on. The focus now shifts to maintaining this winning streak as the core of the season approaches.
The Final Score and The Hero: MSU vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies
The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Oakland Golden Grizzlies with a final score of 79-70 on December 20, 2025. This annual rivalry game, often a closer contest than expected, lived up to its reputation for physicality and intensity. The Spartans, under legendary Head Coach Tom Izzo, needed a late surge to seal the victory and improve their overall season record.
The game was a highlight reel for one specific player: junior forward Coen Carr. Carr delivered a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 22 points. His impact was particularly felt in the second half, where he poured in 16 of his 22 points to help stave off Oakland's repeated comeback attempts. Carr’s explosiveness and efficiency were the difference-makers in a game where MSU struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm in the opening minutes. His performance is a major positive development for the Spartans' rotation moving into conference play.
- Final Score: Michigan State 79, Oakland 70
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
- Top Scorer (MSU): Coen Carr (22 points)
- Key Stat: Carr scored 16 of his 22 points in the second half.
The Spartans' Top Performers and Key Game Statistics
While Coen Carr stole the headlines, the win was truly a team effort, featuring strong contributions from several key rotation players. The Spartans' dominance on the glass and efficient scoring from the interior were crucial to overcoming Oakland's aggressive perimeter defense and three-point shooting.
Forward Jaxon Kohler provided a critical double-double, showcasing his development as a reliable big man for Coach Izzo. Kohler finished the night with 13 points and an impressive 13 rebounds, controlling the paint and limiting Oakland’s second-chance opportunities. His presence was a stabilizing force for the Spartans' interior defense.
Center Carson Cooper was another major factor in the frontcourt. Cooper added 15 points, demonstrating his scoring ability and giving the Spartans three different players scoring in double digits. The collective production from the frontcourt proved too much for the Golden Grizzlies to handle over 40 minutes.
The team’s shooting percentages were solid, especially from three-point range, allowing them to stretch the floor when Oakland packed the paint. Controlling the pace and winning the rebounding battle were hallmarks of this victory, a classic Tom Izzo-coached team performance.
Current MSU Basketball Ranking and The Road Ahead
The victory over Oakland solidifies Michigan State’s standing as one of the top teams in the nation. The Spartans are currently ranked No. 9 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll, a testament to their strong non-conference record and challenging schedule. Their current ranking places them firmly in the discussion for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
This win concludes the non-conference portion of the schedule, giving the team a much-needed break before the intensity of the Big Ten Conference begins. The Big Ten is widely considered one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, featuring other highly-ranked teams such as Purdue, Michigan, and Illinois. The Spartans will need to maintain their defensive intensity and get consistent scoring from their key players to compete for a conference title.
The Next Big Game for the Spartans
Following the holiday break, the Michigan State Men's Basketball team will dive headfirst into the Big Ten schedule. Their next critical matchup will be a return to conference play, where every game holds significant weight for their seeding and national ranking. The specific opponent and date will be the focus of the team's preparation over the coming week, with a renewed emphasis on execution and defense.
Fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating the next phase of the season, which will truly test the mettle of this Spartans squad. The path to a Big Ten Championship is never easy, but the team’s veteran leadership, combined with the explosive potential shown by players like Coen Carr, suggests they are well-equipped for the challenge.
Topical Authority: Women's Basketball Success and Season Outlook
The success is not limited to the men's program. The Michigan State Women's Basketball team is also making significant noise this season, adding to the overall topical authority of MSU basketball.
The No. 24-ranked MSU Women's team recently put on an offensive showcase, routing the Indiana State Sycamores with a dominant 115-66 victory in the Cherokee Invitational. This massive win highlighted the team's high-powered offense and commitment to fast-paced, high-scoring basketball. The 115 points scored were a clear demonstration of their offensive capabilities and depth.
The women's team is also preparing for its Big Ten schedule, aiming to climb the rankings and secure a high seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Their recent performance against Indiana State is a strong indication that they are a legitimate contender in the conference and on the national stage. Both the men's and women's programs are poised for deep runs in their respective tournaments, making this a thrilling season for all Michigan State basketball fans and alumni.
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