Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Predictions December 17th 2024

Greg Kampe, Oakland Face Familiar Challenge Against No. 20 Michigan State

In a matchup filled with familiarity and ambition, Oakland head coach Greg Kampe will get yet another shot at a dream he’s chased for decades: defeating in-state powerhouse No. 20 Michigan State. The two teams face off Tuesday in Detroit, as Kampe and his Golden Grizzlies aim to finally break their winless streak against the Spartans.

Kampe’s Legacy and the Michigan State Hurdle

Now in his 41st season leading Oakland, Greg Kampe has achieved plenty of milestones—none more memorable than last March’s magical NCAA Tournament run, when the Golden Grizzlies stunned Kentucky before pushing Final Four-bound NC State to overtime. However, there’s one box still unchecked: beating Michigan State.

Oakland is 0-22 all-time against the Spartans, but the matchup remains a special one for Kampe, who deeply respects his friend and coaching counterpart, Tom Izzo.

“Why (do) I keep playing that game?” Izzo said with a smile. “I got to be insane. … And yet, that’ll be a Christmas, Fourth of July for them down there. I’m anxious to see if it’ll be a Christmas, Fourth of July for us.”

Oakland Searching for Answers

This version of Oakland (3-5) is different from last season’s squad that made national waves. With just one regular—DQ Cole—returning, Kampe has had to rebuild his rotation, relying on transfers to lead the charge.

• Allen Mukeba: 13.6 points per game
• Buru Naivalurua: 12.6 points per game
• DQ Cole: 11.1 points per game

However, Oakland’s offense has struggled. The Golden Grizzlies must quickly address scoring issues after a dismal 50-point outing in their Dec. 7 loss to Youngstown State. Kampe didn’t mince words about the need for adjustments.

“I’ve got to make some decisions on playing times and minutes,” Kampe said. “I’ve got to figure out what we can do offensively to have success. Because right now what we are doing is not working.”

To have any chance against Michigan State, Oakland needs better ball movement, sharper execution, and improved shot-making.

Michigan State Rolling with Consistency in Focus

Michigan State (8-2) is finding its rhythm, winning six of its last seven games behind a balanced scoring attack. The Spartans are averaging 82.3 points per game and boast impressive depth, with seven players averaging at least 7.6 points.

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Leading the way for Tom Izzo’s team are:

• Jaden Akins: 13.0 points per game (team leader)
• Jase Richardson: 10.3 points per game (impressive freshman showing)
• Frankie Fidler: 10.2 points per game (impactful transfer addition)

While the Spartans have been firing on all cylinders offensively, Izzo’s focus remains on maintaining consistency.

“Can we stay consistent? Can we stay level-headed? Can we keep working?” Izzo asked. “It’ll be a cold day in hell before I let (distractions) happen this year.”

Izzo’s confidence in this team is palpable: “Sometimes it’s coach-speak. This one wasn’t. I like the team.”

Key Matchup: Oakland’s Scorers vs. Michigan State’s Defense

Oakland’s trio of Mukeba, Naivalurua, and Cole will need to find offensive rhythm early against a disciplined Michigan State defense. If Oakland’s scoring woes persist, Michigan State’s depth and pace could quickly create separation.

For the Spartans, the key will be sticking to their strengths—balanced scoring, relentless ball movement, and defensive pressure that forces Oakland into tough shots.

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What’s at Stake

For Oakland, this game represents more than just a matchup—it’s a chance to make history. A win over Michigan State would be a defining moment for Kampe and his program.

For Michigan State, it’s about staying sharp, avoiding complacency, and proving that consistency is becoming this team’s identity as it builds toward conference play.

The Bottom Line

Michigan State enters as the clear favorite, with a deeper roster and an offense firing on all cylinders. However, Greg Kampe’s Oakland team will approach this matchup with everything to gain and nothing to lose. Can the Golden Grizzlies summon some magic and finally break through against the Spartans, or will Michigan State’s balanced attack prove too much to handle?

Tuesday’s game promises intensity, emotion, and yet another chapter in the long history between these two programs.