Top-seeded Michigan State (26-5) takes on 8th-seeded Oregon (24-8) in a thrilling Big Ten Tournament quarter-final matchup. MSU, fresh off a conference title, boasts the league’s best defense and enters as a 5.5-point favorite. Oregon, on an eight-game winning streak, aims to upset the Spartans after a strong offensive display in their last meeting. Key matchups include Jaden Akins guarding Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle’s impact for the Ducks. With both teams in top form, this game promises intensity and high-level basketball.

Big Ten Tournament Quarter-Final Preview: Michigan State vs Oregon

The Big Ten Tournament quarter-final features a captivating showdown between defending champion Michigan State (26-5, 1st seed) and a surging Oregon team (24-8, 8th seed). The game is scheduled for Friday at noon at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network and Spartan Sports Network radio.

Michigan State, riding high on its Big Ten title, enters this tournament with a solid national ranking: #6 in the Coaches poll, #7 in the AP, #8 according to Kenpom, and #10 in the NET rankings. Oregon, ranked 23rd by the AP, comes in after a victory against Indiana. Fans can follow the match on Big Ten Network or via the Spartan Sports Network radio.

MSU dominated the conference with a record of 17-3. Oregon finished with a respectable 12-8 in the Big Ten.

Bookmakers have MSU favored by 5.5 points. Both teams are led by experienced coaches: Tom Izzo for Michigan State (732-300 in 30 seasons) and Dana Altman for Oregon (779-401 in 36 seasons).

Michigan State leads the all-time series 3-2. The last two meetings saw MSU victorious: at the PK85 tournament in 2022 and more recently on February 8 at the Breslin Center.

The probable lineups indicate Szymon Zapala, Jaxon Kohler, Jaden Akins, Jase Richardson, and Jeremy Fears Jr. for MSU, and Nate Bittle, Brandon Angel, TJ Bamba, Keeshawn Barthelemy, and Jackson Shelstad for Oregon.

The Spartans arrive as Big Ten champions riding a streak of seven consecutive victories. The question is whether they’ll maintain the same intensity after achieving their primary goal. MSU has excelled defensively this season, being the best team in the Big Ten in defensive efficiency, 3-point defense, block rate, and rebounding.

Oregon has won its last eight games, including a victory against Wisconsin. They appear motivated to make a deep run in this tournament.

MSU’s victory in February was hard-fought and required a 29-point performance from Jase Richardson. Although MSU dominated rebounding and 3-point defense in the second half, Oregon had scored 50 points in the first period, showing their offensive potential, particularly thanks to Jackson Shelstad.

Depth, determination, and focus have been MSU’s strengths all year. Despite Oregon’s good form and motivation, these qualities could allow Michigan State to prevail in this quarter-final. The performance of key players like Jaden Akins defending Shelstad and Nate Bittle’s ability to make a greater impact for Oregon will be crucial.

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