Spartans Set to Battle Ducks in Big Ten Quarterfinals

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Michigan State University, the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, will face No. 8 seed Oregon on Friday, March 14, at noon. This matchup marks the Spartans’ return to tournament play for the first time since 2019, when they triumphed in the finals against Michigan, led by star guard Cassius Winston.

With a record of 26-5 and 17-3 in the Big Ten, the Spartans enter this matchup on a seven-game winning streak, including a dominant performance against Michigan. Oregon advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Indiana 72-59 in the first round, bringing their season record to 24-8.

MSU head coach Tom Izzo commended Oregon, declaring them one of the “hottest teams” in the conference. Both teams feature impressive late-season performances; like MSU, Oregon has also secured seven consecutive victories.

The last meeting between the Spartans and the Ducks occurred earlier this season, where freshman standout Jase Richardson played a pivotal role in MSU’s comeback victory. Richardson scored 29 points, grabbed five rebounds, and committed zero turnovers in his first start, leading to multiple Freshman of the Week honors.

Izzo, who recently received his 11th Big Ten Coach of the Year award, noted the competitiveness of this year’s tournament. “I don’t think these would be considered upsets anymore. To me, top to bottom, this might be one of the best tournaments that I’ve been involved with,” he said.

For Michigan State to secure their seventh Big Ten Tournament title, emphasis will be placed on rebounding, transition play, and free-throw shooting. In their previous contest against Oregon, the Spartans outrebounded the Ducks by 13 and converted eight more free throws, helping them secure an 86-74 comeback victory.

The matchup between MSU’s deep roster and Oregon’s key players, including Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle, will be crucial. Izzo believes that understanding and teamwork among the players have been instrumental to their success, stating, “Spending time with players pays dividends. You get to know them better.”

MSU is poised for a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament, potentially earning a No. 2 seed after recent successes. Despite last year’s early exit in the second round, Izzo is committed to making a deeper run this time around, quipping he would “die trying” if necessary.

The game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, with coverage by Guy Haberman, Stephen Bardo, and Rick Pizzo, while Will Tieman will provide the radio play-by-play for the Spartan Media Network.