Michigan State outlasts Oregon 74-64 in Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals
The Michigan State Spartans outlasted the Oregon Ducks 74-64 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Jase Richardson continued his impressive freshman campaign, posting a team-high 17 points and three rebounds to power the top seeded Spartans to an eighth straight win and secure a trip to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
Both teams traded punches in the early stages as Michigan State jumped out to an 8-0 lead before Oregon answered with a 9-2 run. The Ducks held a 17-15 edge until Jaden Akins scored five straight points to put the Spartans back on top. Just moments later, Richardson knocked down a 3-pointer to help Michigan State take a 42-32 lead into halftime.
Oregon opened the second half with a 6-0 run to get back within striking distance but Michigan State regained momentum when Richardson hit a 3-pointer and a fallaway jumper on back to back possessions. The Spartans put the finishing touches on the win as Richardson found Coen Carr for a high-flying dunk. Carr added 10 points and eight rebounds in the win.
"I am having fun and that's hard to say at this time of year because you're playing for so much. Our motto has been to be different," Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said after the 74-64 win over Oregon. The Spartans improved to 27-5 and 17-3 in Big Ten play, and will move onto the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the 17th time in school history on Saturday.
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