Oregon Ducks Aim for Upset Against Top-Seeded Spartans in Quarterfinals

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The No. 23 ranked Oregon Ducks seek to extend their run in the Big Ten Tournament as they face the top-seeded Michigan State Spartans in a quarterfinal matchup Friday morning. The game is crucial for Oregon, who will need an upset to advance to Saturday’s semifinals against either the No. 4 or No. 5 seed.

Oregon’s head coach, who spoke after a previous game on the Big Ten Network, acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Michigan State is playing really well and they’re really good, deep, well coached. We know we’re going to have a really tough game tomorrow. We’re going to have to play our tails off to give them a game.”

In their earlier encounter this season, the Ducks took a commanding lead in the first half, leading by 14 points at halftime. However, the Spartans mounted a comeback in the second half, ultimately winning 86-74. A sophomore player from Oregon reflected on that game, saying, “When we played Michigan State the first time, we played really hard the first half, we got a lead. Then the second half we kind of laid our foot off the gas, and they went on their run. We just know we have to play a full 40 minutes to compete with them.”

The Ducks’ projected starting lineup includes guard Jackson Shelstad, who averages 13.4 points per game, along with senior guards and forward TJ Bamba. Their record stands at 24-8 heading into the game.

Michigan State, with a solid record of 25-5, is also putting forward a strong lineup, featuring guard Jeremey Fears and forward Jace Richardson, who have each made significant contributions throughout the season.

Fans can follow the action on DuckTerritory.com for pregame, in-game, and postgame coverage. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9 AM PT and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network, with commentators Guy Haberman and Stephen Bardo.