No. 9 Michigan State rallied to defeat Oregon 86-74, with Jase Richardson scoring 18 of his career-high 29 points in the second half. This victory marked a significant milestone for coach Tom Izzo, who tied Bob Knight’s record with 353 Big Ten wins.
Despite trailing by 14 points at halftime, the Spartans (19-5, 10-2) seized control early in the second half, thanks to Richardson’s stellar performance on both offense and defense.
The Ducks (16-8, 5-8) faced their first five-game losing streak since the 2013-2014 season, struggling to maintain momentum after a strong start.
Richardson’s father, Jason Richardson, a former Michigan State star and NBA player, was present for the game, celebrating the 2000 national champions’ reunion.
In addition to Richardson’s standout performance, Jaxon Kholer contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Tre Holloman and Jaden Akins added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Oregon’s Jackson Shelstad was a bright spot for the Ducks, scoring 18 of his 22 points in the first half. However, he received little support, with Kwame Evans being the only other Ducks player in double figures, finishing with 10 points.
Takeaways
Oregon: The Ducks showcased their early-season potential during the first half, reminiscent of the team that began the season with a 13-1 record, including victories over Alabama and Texas A&M. However, they struggled to maintain that form as the game progressed.
Michigan State: In his first start filling in for the ill Jeremy Fears Jr., Richardson nearly broke the Michigan State freshman scoring record of 33 points set by Miles Bridges in 2017.
Key moment
Richardson ignited the Spartans’ comeback with back-to-back 3-pointers in the first half, showcasing his shooting ability.
Key stat
Richardson’s efficiency stood out as he finished 9 of 13 from the field, highlighting his scoring prowess.
Up next
Looking ahead, Michigan State will host Indiana, providing Izzo an opportunity to claim the all-time wins record. Meanwhile, Oregon will face Northwestern on Tuesday night. Bob Knight, who passed away in 2023, was the legendary coach of the Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000.
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