Michigan State Aims to Protect Perfect Record Against Oakland in Annual Rivalry

Michigan State basketball faces Oakland University this Saturday. The game tips at noon ET in East Lansing. It will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

This is a long-standing annual matchup between two Michigan schools. Spartan coach Tom Izzo and Oakland’s Greg Kampe have a famous friendship.

Oakland Presents a Familiar, Underrated Challenge

Michigan State holds a perfect 23-0 record against Oakland. Every single meeting has featured Izzo and Kampe as the opposing coaches. That unique streak adds a personal layer to the contest.

Despite Oakland’s 6-6 overall record, their schedule has been brutal. They have already faced three top-10 teams this season. Analytics site KenPom ranks their non-conference schedule as the sixth toughest nationally.

This experience makes them a dangerous opponent. They played Purdue close and led at halftime against UCF. They are not a team that will be intimidated by the Breslin Center environment.

A Rivalry Defined by Respect and Tough Scheduling

Coach Izzo has publicly praised Kampe’s challenging scheduling philosophy. Oakland frequently plays major programs on the road. This can skew their record and public perception.

“Sometimes, Kampe’s got a really bad record because he’s so dumb,” Izzo joked to reporters. “He plays, like, six of us [power-conference teams].” Izzo noted he is often the only major coach to agree to a home game for Oakland.

The Golden Grizzlies are also 2-0 in Horizon League play. They enter with momentum. Michigan State must avoid looking past them to Big Ten competition.

This weekend’s Michigan State vs Oakland clash is more than a routine non-conference game. It is a test of focus and a celebration of a coaching rivalry that has defined Michigan basketball for decades.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What time is the Michigan State vs Oakland game?

The game starts at noon Eastern Time on Saturday. It will be televised live on the Big Ten Network for viewers across the country.

What is Michigan State’s record against Oakland?

Michigan State has won all 23 previous meetings. The series began in 1998 and has been played nearly every year since.

Why is there so much talk about the coaches?

Tom Izzo and Greg Kampe are close friends with tremendous mutual respect. Their enduring matchup is a unique storyline in college basketball, as reported by outlets like ESPN.

Has Oakland ever come close to beating Michigan State?

Yes. Last year’s game was a one-point contest at halftime. Michigan State used a strong second half to pull away for a 19-point victory.

How has Oakland performed this season?

They are 6-6 overall but have played an extremely difficult schedule. They have competitive losses to top teams like Purdue, Houston, and Michigan.

Where can I find more news on this game?

Trusted sports sources like CBS Sports, ESPN, and the Associated Press provide ongoing coverage and pre-game analysis for this matchup.