V-Cast: Michigan State gets uglier win than sweaters worn by Tom Izzo, Greg Kampe
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State’s 67-54 win over Oakland University on Wednesday night was as ugly as the holiday sweaters worn by both Golden Grizzlies coach Greg Kampe and Spartan coach Tom Izzo. Michigan State knew this type of performance might be coming, because more often than not, that is what happens when these two teams play.
This was an imperfect performance, but that doesn’t mean that this game will not be a springboard for growth for the Spartans, who have one non-conference game remaining against Buffalo (Dec. 30) before Big Ten play resumes at home against Nebraska on January 3.
SpartanMag publisher Jim Comparoni and associate editor Paul Konyndyk share their thoughts on the game in post-game V-Cast below:
The Good
- Jaden Akins took another step in the right direction. The sophomore guard scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-4 from behind the 3-point line. Akins also grabbed four rebounds in this game while playing 26 minutes. Akins still doesn’t have his conditioning fully back, and it shows on the defensive end of the floor. Even so, Akins made good progress for Michigan State and they need his contribution.
- The Breslin Center was packed tonight and the crowd stuck with their team on a night when the Spartans sputtered early. Even with the Izzone on break, Michigan State still had a good homecourt atmosphere and a decided advantage in this game.
- Joey Hauser had a terrific shooting night for Michigan State, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Hauser’s performance included four 3-pointers. The only negative for The Michigan State senior was his four turnovers.
- This was a homecoming of sorts for former Spartan guard Rocket Watts, who transferred to Mississippi State before his junior season, and then to Oakland last off-season. The Breslin Center crowd treated Watts well during pregame, something that Izzo appreciated.
The Bad
- Michigan State committed 16 turnovers against Oakland’s wonky, difficult to describe zone defense. Eleven of those turnovers came in the first half. The Spartans went nine minutes of the second half before turning the ball over for the first time. Michigan State committed five turnovers in the final 11 minutes against Oakland.
- Pierre Brooks never got into the flow of this game after sitting for the entire first half for disciplinary reasons. Simply put, this game was a disappoint for Brooks. With Jaden Akins beginning to regain his conditioning, and Malik Hall on the cusp of returning to practice, Brooks need to be better or risk having his playing time docked.
The Ugly
- The sweater’s worn by both coaches take the grand prize for ugly. Kampe, who created substantial buzz several years ago by wearing a classic 3D Reindeer ugly sweater around the holidays, came strong with a Grinch bowling shirt. He also talked Tom Izzo into wearing an ugly sweater for this game. The only one not feeling holiday cheer was the official that whistled Tom Izzo for a technical foul in the opening half of this game.
