No. 9 Michigan State Looks to Reverse Course Against Skidding Oregon

Can No. 9 Michigan State Get Back on Track Against Oregon?

Two teams looking to snap losing streaks will meet in East Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday afternoon when No. 9 Michigan State (18-4, 9-2 Big Ten) takes on Oregon (16-7, 5-7 Pac-12).

Michigan State remains perfect at home (11-0) but is coming off back-to-back road losses to USC and UCLA. Before those defeats, the Spartans had put together a 13-game winning streak spanning December and January.

Oregon, meanwhile, has lost four straight games, including an 80-76 setback to No. 24 Michigan on Wednesday. The Ducks have struggled offensively and defensively, failing to put together a complete game during their recent skid.

With both teams needing a win to regain momentum, Saturday’s showdown could be a pivotal moment in the conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding.

Michigan State: Aiming to Defend Home Court

Spartans’ Season So Far:

• Current Streak: Lost two straight
• Home Record: 11-0
• Last Game: Lost to UCLA 63-61

Michigan State has struggled offensively in its recent losses, particularly in a season-low 61-point performance against UCLA.

The biggest red flag for the Spartans has been their poor shooting from beyond the arc (28.7%) and an increased number of turnovers in their recent losses.

Center Carson Cooper acknowledged the team’s miscues:

Key Players to Watch

• Jaden Akins (G, Junior): Leads the team in scoring (13.5 PPG) and will be crucial in breaking out of Michigan State’s offensive funk.
• Jaxon Kohler (F, Sophomore): Team’s top rebounder (7.6 RPG) and a key piece in the paint.
• Tyson Walker (G, Senior): One of the team’s most experienced players, needs to step up as a scoring threat in big games.

Michigan State will need to limit turnovers, improve perimeter shooting, and control the tempo to avoid a third straight loss.

Oregon: Searching for Answers Amid a Four-Game Skid

Ducks’ Season So Far:

• Current Streak: Lost four straight
• Road Record: 4-5
• Last Game: Lost to Michigan 80-76

The Ducks’ biggest problem? Slow starts.

Oregon has repeatedly fallen behind early and been forced to play catch-up in each of its last four losses.

Additionally, the team has shot below 46% in each of its last four games, a clear sign that offensive efficiency needs improvement.

Head coach Dana Altman addressed the team’s struggles:

Key Players to Watch

• Nate Bittle (C, Junior): Leads the team in scoring (12.7 PPG) but has struggled recently, averaging just 8.3 points per game during the losing streak.
• Jermaine Couisnard (G, Senior): The most experienced player on Oregon’s roster needs to take over as a playmaker.
• Kwame Evans Jr. (F, Freshman): An emerging talent who can stretch the floor but must improve consistency.

If Oregon hopes to pull off an upset on the road, it will need defensive intensity, a fast start, and improved efficiency from Bittle.

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Keys to the Game

Michigan State Must:

✅ Limit turnovers: Giving Oregon extra possessions could keep the Ducks in the game.
✅ Improve 3-point shooting: At just 28.7% on the season, perimeter shooting has to get better.
✅ Control the pace: Michigan State thrives when it dictates the tempo and forces defensive stops.

Oregon Must:

✅ Start strong: The Ducks can’t afford to dig another early hole against a top-10 opponent.
✅ Increase defensive pressure: Michigan State has struggled offensively; Oregon must take advantage.
✅ Get Bittle going: The Ducks need their leading scorer to break out of his recent slump.

Game Details

📅 Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM ET
📍 Location: Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI
📺 TV: FS1

Will Michigan State regain its momentum at home, or can Oregon snap its losing streak with a statement win?