Photo Credit: Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Shop officially licensed Michigan State apparel and gifts. Score Michigan State Spartans apparel for every fan at Fanatics. Amplify your spirit with the best selection of Michigan State gear, Michigan State Spartans clothing, T-shirts, jerseys, hats and Michigan State University merchandise for your favorite college team: https://www.fanatics.com/college/michigan-state-spartans/o-49+t-01425040+z-914125-838800028 

Michigan State (26-5 overall, 17-3 Big Ten) now has an opponent for their opening game in the Big Ten Tournament. Oregon (24-8, 12-8), after their victory over Indiana, 72-59, will try to unseat the top seeded Spartans on Friday, March 14 at noon. 

Oregon won with hot shooting against Indiana, 49.1 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. If that continues into their game against Michigan State, the Ducks have a chance to upset the B1G regular season champion Spartans. 

But Indiana has a middle of the pack defense, ranking ninth in the B1G in points given up, 72.0 per game. Michigan State ranks third, giving up 67.0 points per game. Don’t expect the Spartans to allow another hot shooting day. 

Look instead for the Spartans to test the Ducks’ endurance by running and utilizing their great depth. Can the Ducks keep pace less than 24 hours after their game against Indiana? 

Oregon did beat Indiana without a big game from senior center Nate Bittle, who, at 7’0” and 220 lbs., averages 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds this season. Guards Jackson Shelstad and TJ Bamba combined for 35 points, exceeding their averages for the season (23.5 points per game combined). The Ducks will need that same output if they are going to compete against the Spartans, whose top two guards, Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson, score an average of 24.5 points per game. 

Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo will have his team ready for Oregon. The five days between games should be an advantage for the Spartans, giving them fresh legs to outrun the Ducks. 

Izzo won’t let past success make his team complacent either. Michigan State defeated Oregon at home, 86-74, on Feb. 8. In that game, Michigan State shot 50.0 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three. Oregon shot only 39.3 percent from the field and 37.0 from three. Total rebounds were a big advantage for the Spartans, 40 to 27. In that game, Shelstad did go off for the Ducks with 22 points. But Richardson had 29 points for the Spartans. Bittle was held to eight points and one rebound. 

Look for more of the same this time around. Michigan State is like a storm-driven sea, and fresh players will come in waves. Oregon has plenty of talent, as shown by its 24 wins on the season; but this is a special season for the Spartans. Look for them to leave no doubt who is the better team. 

Michigan State 75 

Oregon 70 

If you like what you read here, consider subscribing at a VERY low price, and you won’t miss an article! Or, you can donate in the bottom left corner, starting at as little as $.50 cents! Thank you for reading.

Follow us on X/Instagram @MiSportsMedia, @JaceOSweet and @kpkbaltimore for all of your Michigan sports news!